by Olivia Gleason '26 and Sarah McCall '26 on November 20, 2025

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News

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With Insights from its First Female EIC

Sunday, Nov. 16 marked 90 years of Providence College’s student-run newspaper, The Cowl. Since 1935, students have come together to provide campus, local, and global news to the PC community. The Cowl plays an integral part in understanding the College’s history as it has documented important milestones and events ranging from the opening of the Ben Mondor Center for Nursing and Health Sciences, to the admission of women at PC, to coverage of the Friars’ football team. While social media and the internet have drastically altered the way college students consume news and media, The Cowl has remained a fundamental part of campus life. Whether it be through submissions of Letters to the Editor, picking up a copy of the most recent edition at any corner of campus, or even posts related to the newspaper on YikYak, the PC community still sees The Cowl’s impact and purpose as it strives to provide a platform for student voices and a space for its members to delve into the dynamic world of journalism. 

As we reflected on The Cowl’s history in preparation for this week’s anniversary edition, we knew that the discussion of its history and significance would be greatly enriched by insights from its first-ever female editor-in-chief, Kendra Bogosian-Marasco ’87. Currently a Title IX advocate and formerly the director of field education at PC, Bogosian-Marasco made Cowl history in the ’86–’87 academic year when she challenged the status quo of the male-dominated publication to become its leader. Her experience in this position provides a glimpse into both how The Cowl has changed and, in many ways, how it has stayed the same in its general mission. We asked Bogosian-Marasco what it was like to come onto the scene as The Cowl’s first female EIC, to which she revealed that it “was the first time in my life that I experienced what being a woman in our society (at the time) meant in an institution that had only had women as part of its student community for 25 years.” Bogosian-Marasco had to jump hurdles of past social norms at the College, including having to “go through multiple ‘interviews’ with administrators” that her predecessors—male EICs—did not. Her perseverance, despite pushback and doubt, allowed her to pave the way for future women of The Cowl, forever changing its power and richness. To get a sense of what marked her time at The Cowl—and to also highlight historic moments for both the publication and PC—we asked Bogosian-Marasco if there was a pivotal moment that stood out to her during her tenure as EIC. Without hesitation, Bogosian-Marasco said, “This is an easy one. . . I was editor-in-chief for the 1986–1987 academic year. Our basketball team had a tremendous season that year and went to the Final Four; Billy Donovan ’87 became a household name.”

Coverage of such success for Friars basketball was undoubtedly thrilling for The Cowl. Its documentation of this historic season continues to serve as a reminder of the power student journalism has to define the collective memory of the College, and the great responsibility the publication carries as the storyteller of such monumental moments.

As we have all seen, technology has altered the way we interact with both the world and media. The same is true in media and news production. Our writing, editing, and publishing practices now are much different than they were throughout The Cowl’s history. For example, Bogosian-Marasco reflected on a major technological advancement during her career with The Cowl: “During my four-year involvement with The Cowl, we acquired word processors and were thrilled to be able to electronically type our articles. They’d be printed out, pasted onto mark-up boards for layout, and then we’d take those layouts off-site (to a local newspaper in Warwick) to be printed.” This 90-year anniversary calls for the recognition of all of the changes and people who have made The Cowl what it is today. It is not just the late nights on Wednesdays or the tireless work by the editorial board that keep The Cowl running. It is also 90 years of adaptation to keep up with technological advancements and a rapidly changing world.

In many ways, the archives of The Cowl serve as a collective PC time capsule, providing direct insight into student voices of the past and their reactions to the defining moments of their time. This history, however, is more often than not overshadowed, simply by the nature of the fact that our newspaper has stayed true to its original mission of covering current events. As such, for this 90th anniversary edition of The Cowl, we have decided to feature pieces of past editions (as well as publish our usual articles covering issues of today) to give glimpses into this history and to commemorate the work of every member of The Cowl, both past and present, that has shaped our student publication into what it is today. We hope you enjoy this step back in time as we seek to uphold the strong legacy of The Cowl. As Bogosian-Marasco told us, “Please continue to write—and to consume—newspapers throughout your lives. Never compromise integrity in your coverage and always seek out Veritas,” and it is our hope that this issue, and every issue after, does just that. 

by Ian Gualtiere ’27 and Tom Marinelli ’26 on November 13, 2025

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A&E - Art

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Recently placed in the Ruane Center for the Humanities 105, three wonderfully large and impressive paintings will dominate the wall of the lecture room for the rest of the fall semester. In an attempt to respond to a long and celebrated tradition of Italian art, mingled with a heavy influence of Christian iconography, artist Bruce Herman’s ambitious piece on the story of the Blessed Virgin Mary is presented in bold colors along with an extreme reverence for the subject matter. Herman has stated that, “Tradition is the substrate of every thought, every feeling, every work of art—whether acknowledged or not. Our very ability to communicate at all is contingent on tradition.” 

Imbued with the knowledge and respect for both Italian Renaissance art and Christian teachings, Herman explores three important stages of the Blessed Virgin before even giving birth to Jesus Christ. The series is meant to be viewed from right to left, the same as Hebrew is read. Lifted directly from the Gospel of Luke is the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel announces to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she will conceive and give birth to the Son of God. The middle scene, adorned with gold coloring to show the all-encompassing glory of the Lord, is the Incarnation, where the Word of God became flesh through conception. Though it is not directly stated in the Gospels, this is usually celebrated on March 25 (nine months before Christmas). The third scene is the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin to her cousin Elizabeth, also with child, who would later become John the Baptist, and where the famous lines of “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb” (Luke 1:42) are spoken. With a twinge of modern boldness and traditional reverence, Herman expertly creates a triptych of three of the most consequential events in Christianity.  

These three paintings, passed by all the Development of Western Civilization students, fit perfectly in the large classroom. To me, they almost look like a dreamscape, or a fresco, something from an old, but not forgotten, world. The colors in particular are vibrant: blues, yellows, and white mountains in the back. It’s not a traditional piece whatsoever, but that only adds to its appeal. This Friday, Nov. 14, at 3:30 p.m., you and your friends can see it in Ruane 105, where the Humanities Department will host Herman to share insights on his work and answer any questions. At a school like Providence College, where the humanities are arguably valued as much as any other discipline, it’s always nice to have active engagement from scholars and artists alike who are willing to present to students.

Herman’s visit is a great opportunity to witness a dialogue between faith, tradition, and creativity—the cornerstone of Providence College. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a theology student, or simply someone who’s genuinely curious, this forum will be right up your alley, and everyone is encouraged to attend. Again, that’s Friday, Nov. 14, at 3:30 p.m. in Ruane 105, so don’t miss it!

by Rachel Barter ’27 on November 6, 2025

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Opinion

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During these past two weeks, I have gone to two incredible non-fiction book talks: Malala Yousafi’s Finding My Way and Dr. Mallary Tenore Tarpley’s Slip: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery. Although the two books are different in topic and author experience, it was extremely interesting and enriching to hear two women’s perspectives on traumatic events that occurred in their lives and how they were able to begin healing and navigating life after their trauma. 

Malala Yousafi’s Finding My Way details how Yousafi navigated her life after being shot in 2012 by the Taliban in Pakistan while advocating for girls’ education. This attack was intended to silence her activism. She discusses how after being shot and becoming a world-renowned activist overnight, she still struggles with her trauma; it has taken her a lot of time and effort to adjust to being a “normal” person who goes to college, while simultaneously being expected to lead the charge for the right for girls to receive an education across the world.

Dr. Mallary Tenore Tarpley’s Slip: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery explores the difficulty and daily challenges that accompany recovering from an eating disorder, including slips. Tarpley highlights the never-ending struggles when you are on the road to recovery for an eating disorder and how a “middle place” exists where survivors of eating disorders can inhibit, which emphasizes the inevitability of slips while still remaining on the road to recovery and moving forward.

Despite never having experienced a threat to my education as a woman nor having an eating disorder, I found these two books to be extremely valuable, given that they specifically expose me to other points of view and issues across the world that I may never have actually had to think of or personally deal with otherwise. 

At Providence College, one of our main slogans is that we should seek more, which encompasses how I felt after both of the book talks. Instead of learning and reading about an experience or perspective, I am stepping into someone else’s shoes to better understand their diverse perspectives and situations. This practice of seeking more through diverse knowledge serves to broaden our worldview and develop empathy for other people and their experiences. I have effectively expanded my knowledge, raised my awareness on such issues and experiences, challenged preconceived notions by questioning my own assumptions and biases, and, lastly, encouraged critical thinking, which helps me to question and reflect on my own beliefs and perspective.

I encourage everyone to expand their reading palates to seek more knowledge and attain more diverse perspectives in order to create a more inclusive and empathetic society, especially for those who are marginalized and have traumatic experiences. It is important to remember that it is not the job of the oppressed or the victims of societal pressures to fight against and raise awareness, but it is through our privilege as people who have not experienced such traumatic events or conditions to call attention to the problems in our society and across the greater world. Our new knowledge and understanding can assist us with making positive changes to benefit others, which we should view as benefiting ourselves as one human race.

Perhaps we can take pages from Yousafi’s and Dr. Tarpley’s books to strive to create an inclusive and empathetic world we are proud to call home!

by Mariel Surprenant ’26 on October 30, 2025

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News

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Through a GoFundMe and a darty, Providence College students were able to raise $2,000 in just five days towards breast cancer resources. Organizers from the class of 2026 threw a “Pink-Out Darty,” in which students of all grades were welcome to dress in pink, have a good time, and donate to breast cancer resources through QR codes. Darty attendee, Jack Lefebvre ’26, commented, “The darty was lots of fun. It was great to see our whole school dressed in pink to support a great cause.”

Breast Cancer Awareness Month occurs every October. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer “is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers. It accounts for about 30 percent (or one in three) of all new female cancers each year.” However, early detection and treatment advances have significantly improved survival rates. Each October, organizations, survivors, and supporters nationwide participate in fundraising walks, educational campaigns, and outreach events to support research, promote early detection, and honor those affected by the disease.

Students raised money to donate to the Gloria Gemma Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing resources to individuals and families impacted by breast cancer in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Its mission is to “celebrate and nurture life in our local community before, during, and after a cancer diagnosis by providing education, access to wellness resources, and support programs to all those touched by cancer.”

“The Gloria Gemma Foundation has a longstanding partnership with Providence College, and we deeply appreciate the continued support the Friars have shown over the years,” said Maria Gemma Corcelli, the foundation’s executive director. “The compassion and generosity of PC students and staff are truly a blessing to the people we serve, and we are forever grateful.”

Breast cancer has hit far too close to home for many PC students, including David Figueroa ’26. The Gloria Gemma Foundation is lovingly named after his grandmother, Gloria Gemma, who lost her courageous fight with breast cancer in 2002. “It was really awesome to see my school come together and raise money for a cause so close to my family. We appreciate everyone here at PC who donated,” said Figueroa.

Additionally, about 20 PC students participated in the 2025 Gloria Gemma 5k on Oct. 5, resulting in approximately $1,800 in additional donations.

Set up by the class of 2026, the event that the organizers created strove to give back to the community that has given so much to them over their four years at PC. Dave Guden ’26, the primary organizer of the darty and the GoFundMe, said, “My friends and I thought it would be a great idea to host a ‘Pink-Out’ fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We were very satisfied to see that Friartown was able to raise $2,000 for the Gloria Gemma Foundation here in Rhode Island. It truly shows how when us Friars come together, we can create a positive impact on the community.”

“It was super awesome to see our senior class come together to organize something bigger than ourselves and to show support for the local Rhode Island community,” said Jack Coyle ’26, a representative for the class of 2026.

by Amanda Ayres ’26 and Ava La Bruno ’27 on October 30, 2025

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News

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On Tuesday, Oct. 21, Student Congress was pleased to welcome Simone Tubman ’14, the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Diversity and Equity Compliance, and Title VI and Title IX Coordinator, within the Office of Equity Compliance (OEC). She is a proud alumna of Providence College and is committed to PC and “its success in advancing social justice, equity, access, and inclusivity.”  

Tubman described her work as a key role in shaping the campus community. A huge aspect of her work focuses on maintaining an environment where students, faculty, and staff are treated with respect, as we are created in the image and likeness of God. She said this was a legal obligation, as well as a moral obligation. The legal aspect of her work focuses on institutional compliance. She ensures that PC is compliant with Title VI and Title IX, meets expectations of policies on discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and has the appropriate mechanisms in place to address complaints. Tubman wanted us to know that there is a person behind the computer in the OEC office, and she keeps a strict 24-hour response time goal for herself. 

The other aspect of her office’s work is more student-facing. Tubman emphasized how she is a resource to all students, and the OEC is a hub for resources and support for those with concerns about things like bias and discrimination. She does work with campus partners to implement culturally relevant prevention education training and student engagement opportunities. 

Tubman shared that a new initiative this year is SPEEC: Students Promoting Equity, Education, and Compliance. It is focused on leadership development, intercultural engagement, and collaborative program design. The first cohort has begun with opportunities to join the initiative, opening in the spring. Additionally, there will be a speaker series focused on words and how they can affect the community, coming soon. 

When asked how we as students can promote the Office of Equity Compliance’s work, she said the best way is to “share and attend, connect and collaborate, feedback and suggest.” She urged Student Congress, as student leaders, to set an example and attend both the passive and educational events the office hosts throughout the year. 

As for the rest of the meeting, the recommendation regarding the inclusion of General Chemistry I and II in the neuroscience major requirements passed. Amendments to the Student Congress Constitution regarding the establishment of the Subcommittee on Safety, Security, and Transportation and the renaming of a subcommittee to the Subcommittee on Residence Life and Physical Plant. Additionally, the Theology Club was proposed. 

This was our first meeting since our annual retreat, and spirits were very high. After an enjoyable weekend on Cape Cod, Student Congress is ready to continue to reach new heights.

by Christian Cintron ’28 on October 30, 2025

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News

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On Wednesday, Oct. 22, Grace Pierson ’26, the chair of Student Congress’s Committee on Advocacy, held a meeting open to all members of the campus community in Moore Hall 118 regarding the proposal of a Turning Point USA chapter at Providence College. Attendees of the meeting included representatives from Student Congress, the Board of Multicultural Student Affairs (BMSA), SHEPARD, and other interested PC students.

Turning Point USA is a nonprofit organization co-founded by conservative political activist and commentator Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September. Their official website proclaims, “We are committed to identifying, educating, training, and organizing students to promote freedom.” The overarching goal of the organization is to educate students nationwide on conservative values and uplift civic engagement in youth, grounded in a patriotic attitude and readiness to act. A movement largely rooted in traditionalism, Turning Point USA provides resources for both college campuses and high schools to promote these values on school grounds, including open applications for grants and providing guest speakers from their Speakers’ Bureau.

Pierson made it evident that the meeting did not have a specific agenda, but rather was an open forum for students to express their concerns about the proposed chapter, which could then be brought up at the pending club’s presentation to Student Congress. A document was maintained listing these concerns, and attendees voiced items that they wanted to be added to the list. The two primary talking points that are intended to be raised regard the club’s disposition as a non-partisan organization and the national group’s Professor Watchlist, with the goal of documenting college professors who impose leftist values on students. The meeting’s attendees questioned the chapter’s presentation as non-partisan when the national organization infamously has conservative implications. They were also skeptical of the organization’s connection to the Professor Watchlist and its consequences for PC professors, but the proposed chapter rejects involvement with the Professor Watchlist.

Pierson asserted that the presence of this chapter on campus could impact the experience of marginalized communities attending PC, describing the ideals of Kirk and other Turning Point USA founders as “white Christian nationalism.” She is chiefly concerned with the implications for professors due to the aforementioned Watchlist, believing that the potential for persecution could bring a culture of negativity to campus, stating, “everybody is negatively affected by that.” She also expanded on the distress regarding the chapter being presented as non-partisan, which was emphasized by the proposed chapter’s executive board when they met with Student Congress’s Committee on Clubs and Organizations on Wednesday, Oct. 15, arguing that DEI initiatives would suffer as a result. She discussed the optics of on-campus initiatives proportionally, noting they are “already being labeled as far-left” and will “be viewed as way farther left by comparison.”

The chapter will present to Student Congress on Tuesday, Nov. 4, and elected members of Student Congress are tentatively set to vote on the chapter’s passage a week later on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Both meetings will be open to the student body.

by Isabelle Camoin ’26 on October 30, 2025

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News

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Last Wednesday, Oct. 22, the Dialogue, Inclusion, and Democracy Lab hosted a dialogue in Moore Hall 125: “AI Unpacked: A Dialogue about Ethics, Impact, and our Responsibility.” The event, structured as a World Café dialogue, brought together professors, faculty, and students to discuss the reality of what our classrooms on campus are facing and the societal implications of using artificial intelligence. Professors, faculty, and students from various departments and areas of study— ranging from marketing and finance to arts and the humanities—came together to discuss how AI is being used in the classroom, whether as a supplement to learning or not. Different topics of discussion presented in the World Café format included: the rapid growth of AI, relationships to AI, AI and its social impact, and policy around AI on the PC campus. 

The event opened with an introduction from Yessenia Tavarez ’27, a D.I.D. Lab fellow who shared background on why they were hosting the event and setting community guidelines for engaging in respectful conversation with one another. Ultimately, the style of conversation was chosen to allow for a space where everyone could express their perspectives and concerns, and ask questions. Tavarez also presented some of the D.I.D. wall responses that have been written around campus in response to the question, “Do you use AI? What are its implications?”, opening the floor for attendees to discuss the answers. In particular, some were concerned by the response, “I use it for therapy.” 

Attendees rotated their discussion topics, giving the opportunity to integrate conversations of classroom experience and the technicalities of how AI has come to the forefront of most discussions outside of the college campus. During the final 10 minutes of the event, each group gave a recap of the overall takeaways in their discussion. 

The table discussing our relationship to AI reflected on the demands of academic culture and the pressure to complete too many assignments leading to the use of AI to shortcut time as a means of completion. The table discussing social impact highlighted being able to think for yourself and the hindrance of this exercise when using AI. 

The table discussing policy explored how AI is integrated into classroom policy and the need for a transparent understanding when providing guidelines on how to use AI. One professor shared that their policy was created and agreed upon by the class in the first week, with the understanding that AI can be used as a prompt for generating research, but not as a replacement for original thought. A student shared that there was an unequal footing in the classroom when assignments were graded because all other students had used ChatGPT to curate the assignment, while they did not. 

A general understanding amongst most professors was that there has been no clear guidance on how to go about navigating the reality of this rapidly developing technology. Many professors and faculty expressed that they have not had sufficient training in understanding and using AI outside of what students have shown them. Peter Rogers, head of research in the Phillips Memorial Library, shared a multitude of insights on the different platforms and ways to use and understand AI in an academic setting. He also called attention to the work the library has done in sharing helpful tips amidst the confusion on when and how AI can be used in classwork. There are two pages on the Phillips Memorial website that one can look to if they are interested: one titled Generative AI and another titled AI and the Research Process. Both pages explore how AI works, what its purpose is, and some guidelines on best practices if one were to choose to use AI for assistance. 

Ultimately, the spectrum of how and if AI has a place on campus varies based on the area of study and one’s perspective. The multiple conversations held on campus in the past week on this issue demonstrate the necessity to develop a collective understanding of how to move forward. Questions brought forth in the event that could be worth considering include: “How has AI changed the way we interact with technology in the past few years?”, “What are some examples of AI applications that aren’t chatbots (like ChatGPT)?”, “What are your reasons for using AI for assignments and studying?”, “Is AI changing our relationship with learning?”, “Has its accessibility decreased the value of scholarly information?”, “What policies do you know to already exist in regards to AI?”, and “Is there a need for a transparent policy of AI use in the classroom?” It was a thoughtful conversation that engaged a lot of people’s concerns and is worth continuing it in the future.

by Ava Stringer ’28 on October 23, 2025

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Opinion

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There’s always a duo in a trio.

Triple dorms are the definition of unnecessary chaos: cramped, loud, and awkward. The math isn’t adding up. These rooms are built for two, yet somehow, we’re squeezing in three and pretending it’s “community living.” It’s like trying to have a dinner party in a broom closet and calling it “intimate.”

You can feel the tension before the semester even begins. There’s always an odd one out. Don’t even get me started on when it’s two friends and a random roommate. Two strangers, a communal bathroom down the hall, and barely any floor space? That’s a social experiment, not housing.

Let’s talk about the dimensions. Freshman triple rooms average around 15 by 13 feet, which is roughly the size of a one-car garage, except with three beds, three desks, and three sets of everything else. Sophomore triples aren’t much better, averaging the size of a small studio apartment cut in half. And let’s not forget, we’re paying upward of ten thousand dollars a year for the privilege of living in a glorified shoebox.

What better way to stress out new students than to confine them to a space smaller than most people’s bedrooms, all while they’re learning to live away from home for the first time? The college talks endlessly about wellness, community, and adjusting to campus life, but how’s anyone supposed to “find themselves” when there’s literally nowhere to stand?

Providence College can do better. Triples aren’t a solution to overcrowding; they’re a shortcut that makes students pay the price for poor planning. Everyone deserves a room that feels like a home, not a closet with three beds. At the very least, hand out noise-canceling headphones and emotional support water bottles on move-in day.

Triples might build character, but so does surviving a natural disaster. Neither of those should be a part of the “college experience.” If it is, hazard pay seems reasonable.

by Kaelynd Brouillette ’29 on October 23, 2025

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News - Campus

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If you have scrolled TikTok or Instagram lately or turned on the news, you’ve probably seen the panic surrounding the current government shutdown. Personally, I was scared. When I heard the shutdown was actually happening, I was worried about my flight home. Was it going to be cancelled or delayed? Should I get to the airport extra early in case the TSA takes forever? On Oct. 9, I flew out of Logan International in Boston to Syracuse, NY, and business was operating as normal. TSA took 10 minutes, and my flight took off on time. I prepared for the absolute worst going in there, but I was surprised by the relatively normal experience. After all,  TSA workers and air traffic controllers are federal employees who are affected by the shutdown. The situation left me thinking that maybe this is what America feels like right now—everything looks normal on the outside, but beneath, our system is cracking. That realization made me wonder how much the people around me actually understand what’s going on, not just at the airport, but across the country. To find this information out, I sent out a student-run survey regarding Providence College students’ perceptions of the shutdown. 

PC students’ reactions show how younger generations perceive government dysfunctions from the outside looking in. While most aren’t directly affected, many recognize the shutdown as a symptom of deeper political failure. Their voices reveal both frustration with leaders and a desire for better civic understanding, as only 14.8 percent of PC student respondents said they felt truly informed about the shutdown. Most reported that they get their news from social media, such as TikTok and Instagram, with only some getting it directly from well-known news sources. This highlights a broader issue: young people are surrounded by political content on every platform, and lack context or real, trustworthy explanations. Social media, although helpful in some capacity, is not an entirely reliable source of information regarding obtaining facts on the current state of our government, containing often biased and heavily skewed “information.” 

I also found it interesting that 52 percent of respondents said they were not personally affected by the shutdown in any capacity, and 74.1 percent said they only felt somewhat connected to the events happening in D.C., although several cited indirect consequences, such as their family and ROTC members being furloughed, as well as some stating they did experience TSA/flight struggles. This data makes it clear that students see through political dysfunction, yet struggle to feel connected to government processes. It is important to note that although we, as a generation, find it difficult to feel impacted by national government events such as this shutdown, we recognize the implications of it and see that it has real-world effects in society. One anonymous student stated, “We feel isolated in our own little world when we’re on campus, but there’s so much going on around us that is important to learn.” This quote really stuck with me because it holds true that when we are on campus, we do feel like we’re in our own little world, and although there are such frightening government events happening in our country, we don’t feel affected by them. Therefore, it is incredibly important that college students make any effort to learn about and care about the current state of the government. Although we don’t feel the direct effects, our society as a whole is facing the consequences. 

Through my collection of data, students also made it clear that the shutdown is not a good look for our government, with 74.1 percent of respondents saying that this has changed the way they see our government and its leaders for the worse. Two anonymous students expressed frustration with the way our administration is handling the shutdown, stating “The propaganda that has been plastered all over official government websites, calling this a ‘Democrat shutdown’ has worsened my feelings towards the Trump Administration,” with another stating “Misinformation and the control of news and media I feel is at an all time high attempting to divide the country with Democrat versus Republican without being genuine to the inherent ideals of the parties.” These responses reflect bipartisan frustration, as students are annoyed with the rhetoric on both sides of the aisle, and, from what I have gathered, believe it is important for both sides to work together to solve the bigger issue at hand. 

While many Americans view the shutdown as a distant political event, federal employees are experiencing a direct disruption of their livelihoods. I conducted an interview with an Environmental Project Manager who has worked for the federal government for 10 years now, and he gave us an inside glimpse as to what the work environment is currently like. He describes his frustration with seeing “highly respected people in their fields,” being scientists and engineers, labeled to be nonessential by “people unfamiliar with their work.” This label, he explains, is “demeaning to someone who takes pride in the work they do.” For these workers, it’s not just about a paycheck, but rather being told their contribution to society suddenly does not matter. The shutdown reduces public service to a checklist of expendability, reflecting a broader cultural disregard for labor that does not produce an immediate political or financial gain. When asked about the overall morale in his workplace, he stated, “Disruptions such as this shut down and callous decision making created a negative environment locally and I’m sure through the federal workforce.” Imagine going to work knowing your role is “essential,” yet your paycheck is suspended and some of your colleagues have been determined “nonessential.” This situation therefore corrodes morale and creates resentment towards leadership that appears indifferent to human cost. The government relies on the expertise of people like him to keep important systems running, but refuses to compensate him for his contributions in real time. He notes that essential workers must “adapt, find a solution and press forward” despite missing staff support and resources, showing that it is adaptability and the quiet resilience of people like him that keep the country functioning even when Congress does not. It’s a stark reminder that the strength of our institutions lies not in the politicians who run them, but in the ordinary professionals who continue to do their jobs day in and day out despite being furloughed. His words reveal the human face of government dysfunction and the emotional labor carried by workers unseen by the public. Shutdowns are often discussed in terms of cost per day or economic impact, but the true cost is personal: pride diminished, morale broken, and trust in leadership eroded. The story of this one federal employee becomes a mirror for a much larger truth, being that America’s “nonessential” workers are often the ones most essential to its stability. The government shutdown is therefore not just a budgetary failure, but a profound human failure, one that exposes the gap between political rhetoric and the lived reality of those keeping the country running.

Just like the airport seemed to be functioning normally, in my case at least, despite the chaos behind the scenes, so too does America, as we continue to move forward during this shutdown. Even in states of complete dysfunction, daily life goes on because of the people who choose to let it, such as our TSA agents, the National Guard, and environmental project managers. Make no mistake, the shutdown is a serious reflection of a larger failure within our government and its leaders, as well as political stubbornness and polarization. It reveals how fragile our systems can be when struggles for power on both sides outweigh public service. Yet, despite all of this, I still believe in the strength of our system. Our democracy is not perfect, but it is resilient, as it bends under pressure yet does not break. The American system has always found a way to adapt to change, and I believe it will again—not because of the politicians in D.C., but because of the people who keep it running. As students, citizens, voters, and future leaders, it is our responsibility to pay attention, to learn, to question, and to care about the government that shapes our daily lives, although we may not directly feel it. Understanding what’s happening beyond campus is the first step in ensuring the next generation leads with more empathy and accountability. The government may falter, but its people never do. Students, workers, and citizens together prove that America’s system, though strained, will always endure.

by Rachel Barter ’27 on October 23, 2025

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News - Campus

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Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Protecting & Supporting Our Fellow Friars

As a person who has friends and family members who have been survivors of domestic violence, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a very important month full of reflection and education, which is not often enough brought to the forefront. The goal and purpose of Domestic Violence Awareness Month is to raise awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence, encourage support of survivors, honor victims, and, perhaps most importantly, mobilize people to take action to prevent it. By raising public consciousness of domestic violence, Domestic Violence Awareness Month encourages people to get involved, support preventative legislation, and build communities where everyone feels safe. Similar to Mental Health Awareness Month, which is also observed in October, the month-long observance helps to bring this often-silenced issue into the open and to empower survivors to seek safety and support. 

In the U.S., “an average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner… more than 12 million women and men over the course of a single year.” Additionally, more than “one in three women (35.6 percent) and one in four men (28.5 percent) in the U.S. have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.”  

Given that around 30 percent of men and women in the U.S. have experienced domestic violence during their lifetime, Domestic Violence Awareness Month should not be taken lightly and should be used as a stepping stone for taking action against domestic violence, rather than a pit stop on our journeys throughout the year. Domestic violence does not cease during the other 11 months of the year, so it is very important to utilize Domestic Violence Awareness Month as a consciousness-raising tool, but not to let our efforts stop there.

As demonstrated by the statistics above, no person is disconnected from the effects and experiences of domestic violence, whether we have personally experienced it or are connected to other people who have or are currently experiencing domestic violence. We are all connected to domestic violence in one way or another, and if you are someone who has not experienced or interacted with domestic violence, then we have an obligation to take action against domestic violence and the broader interpersonal violence; survivors should not be perceived as responsible for fixing a society and an issue that they were violated and discriminated against by. However, survivors and victims of domestic violence should be the very people using their unique personal experiences to guide the actions against domestic violence because they are the only people who have comprehensive knowledge about how to protect themselves and others.

Recognizing the importance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and taking action is also particularly relevant for us as college students when considering the following statistics about domestic violence for teens and young adults: about one in 12 experienced physical dating violence, about one in 10 experienced sexual dating violence, and 33 percent of teens who were in an abusive relationship ever told anyone about the abuse. Additionally, it is important to highlight that certain marginalized groups are more at risk than others, including female students, students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, and students of color, which points to a larger societal discrimination.

Lastly, I want to discuss how we can do our part to help take action against domestic violence and support survivors. One of the most important things to remember is that it is never the victim’s fault that they experienced domestic violence, and we should not be using any language or acting in such a way that explicitly states or implies it; for example, we should not ask the survivors questions like, “Why didn’t you leave sooner?”, “Why didn’t you report it sooner?”, “Why didn’t you just say no?”,  “What were you wearing?” or “You were drunk.” Such lines of questioning are all too common today, especially regarding female college students, yet they are so damaging and hurtful to victims, considering one of the greatest barriers to seeking help and reporting abuse is the victim feeling they are to blame for what has happened to them. Therefore, when people speak or behave in a way that reinforces this feeling of self-blame, the impact of the abuse may be greater, leading to a longer recovery. Instead, we want to be there for them and let the survivors tell us what they want/need from us so that we can best support them without taking charge of how they want to begin taking action against it or begin the never-ending journey or “healing.”

As Dr. Driessen, an Assistant Professor of the Social Work Department and an Affiliated Faculty with the Women’s and Gender Studies Department, states, “PC is a place where community is so important to our values. We can all draw upon the strength of this community, such as being part of the Friar Family, to break the silence, debunk stigma, remind each other that you are never alone, and encouragement of just how powerful and impactful a nonjudgmental, listening, and empathetic presence can be.”

Overall, we are responsible for educating ourselves on domestic violence and doing our best to support ourselves or the people around us who have experienced domestic violence. We cannot ignore the important and life-threatening issue that the month of October reminds us about every year, and we need to carry this momentum with us throughout the rest of the year by treating survivors with dignity and respect, as well as looking out for your fellow Friars and neighbors to keep everyone safe. “And remember that there are many resources for everyone on campus, including the opportunity to speak to a confidential victim advocate to learn more about resources, rights, and processes.”