by Isabelle Camoin ’26 on October 23, 2025

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Public Discourse on D.I.D. Walls

Inspired by the Phi Beta Kappa lecture shared by Dr. Shannon Jackson, “Arts, Democracy and The Public Life,” the Dialogue, Inclusion, and Democracy Wall (D.I.D.) wall in Slavin (next to the line for Dunkin’) asked the student body: “How can art be an agent for social change?” Although the talk was a month ago, it is worth discussing the responses that were written to this question. 

For context, the D.I.D. Walls on campus are public boards meant to allow for democratic practices and engagement in meaningful public dialogue. The boards are placed in different academic buildings and facilitated by D.I.D. Lab fellows. Spearheaded by Dr. Nicholas Longo and a team of students, the Providence College campus saw its first D.I.D. Wall in 2018, a chalkboard in Feinstein on the third floor. Since then, more spaces have been approved and new additions have been implemented in Moore Hall, SOWA, the Slavin Center, and the Mondor School of Nursing and Health Sciences. If you are ever in these buildings, you have probably seen these whiteboards, which pose questions that invite students to think about and answer anonymously. 

Returning to the answers seen on the Slavin Center D.I.D. Wall, a plethora of answers were seen. Insightful thoughts such as: “Art is a way to express yourself, likes and dislikes. Voicing your opinion through art is uniquely beautiful,” “Art is the unveiling of the Truth through beauty. Therefore, if art is held to low standards, Truth skewed” “Art can speak volumes that words sometimes can’t,” “Art bridges all boundaries,” “Brings people together who otherwise wouldn’t have felt connected.” These profound responses are demonstrative of members of our communities’ thoughts and feelings towards the significant role art can play in our society. These statements are the voices of the Providence College community. 

A part of the role of the walls is to address and observe our community’s capacity to engage in meaningful dialogue in a public space. When thinking about this, it is interesting to consider other statements that were not as profound, such as: “Artsy Fartsy”! and “6-7 is Art.” Recently, many responses have contained the inclusion of “6 7,” a permeating meme that seems to have intervened in many young adults’ vocabulary. It seems here that pop culture has interfered with members of the community’s ability to participate in meaningful discourse. Given that the walls are a space for free expression, the space cultivates the opportunity for students to bridge connections through language and contemplate the questions that are posed.

by Erich Rumson ’28 on October 23, 2025

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Disclaimer: This article was written prior to both Israel and Hamas violating the ceasefire.

Celebrations erupted across Israel on Oct. 13 as the 20 hostages who remained alive in Gaza returned home. Hamas, the governing body of the Gaza Strip, agreed to release them as part of the first phase of a peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump, which seeks to permanently end the Gaza War.

The first phase of the agreement, which both Israel and Hamas approved on Oct. 8, has called for an end to the fighting and for Hamas to release all Israeli hostages and the bodies of 28 who have died. In return, Israel has agreed to release 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and begin a withdrawal of its troops from certain areas of the Gaza Strip. As of one week after the deal, most of these points have been met by both sides, with some exceptions. Many of the remains of the deceased hostages have yet to be recovered and returned to Israel, and the Rafah crossing between Israel and Egypt remained closed despite promises to open it up to aid groups by Israel.

The apparent end to the war in Gaza was met with joy as well as caution by many observers worldwide, as there is still much uncertainty regarding the future of the region. According to the Wall Street Journal, negotiations surrounding the second phase of the plan—which deals with the future demilitarization and administration of the Gaza Strip—have proven more controversial than the first. Trump’s plan calls for an international Board of Peace to temporarily govern Gaza. However, the exact details of this international body, including how long it would be in control, have not been settled and several countries in the Middle East have expressed reluctance to be a part of it. The proposed disarmament of Hamas has also met some pushback, as although the group has agreed to give up its missiles and rocket launchers, it has refused to give up other weapons such as assault rifles.

The recent ceasefire and peace deal came right after the war in Gaza reached its two-year mark. The conflict began following Hamas’s attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, in which thousands of Hamas fighters invaded the country and killed over 1,000 Israeli civilians, while taking hundreds hostage. Israel subsequently launched a massive military campaign against Hamas, which destroyed large parts of the Gaza Strip and resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. The war caused one of the largest humanitarian crises in recent memory, rivaled only by the still ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and sparked massive protests worldwide in favor of both sides. The conflict spread into other Middle Eastern countries as well, as Israel launched campaigns against Hamas’s allies in Lebanon and Yemen, and conducted strikes against Iran last June. The fighting was stopped by two ceasefires, which took place in November of 2023 and from January to March of this year, in which hostages taken by Hamas were exchanged for prisoners taken by Israel. Neither of these ceasefires lasted, as fighting resumed in both cases.

One major development may cause the war to end for good this time. According to the Wall Street Journal, Hamas had come under increasing pressure from several Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, to agree to the peace deal proposed by Trump. Short on allies and with few other options remaining, Hamas accepted the first part of the proposal. On Oct. 13, the same day the hostages were released, a summit was held in Egypt during which leaders of countries around the world, including President Trump, met to discuss the future of Gaza. With many countries in the region united in stopping the war, one can only hope that this ceasefire may bring a lasting peace.

by Madison Benoit ‘29 on October 23, 2025

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Backlash from the Courts

As the government shutdown carries on, the White House and the Trump administration vow to continue with the nearly 4,000-person mass layoffs that were recently blocked by a court order.

The layoffs are currently aimed at more than 400 employees at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, 465 Education Department Staff, and 102 employees at the Census Bureau.

This information comes from a court filing in a battle between two federal employee unions—The American Federation of Government Employees and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees—against the Trump administration. The unions have filed against the administration, stating that the firings are “politically driven RIFs,” or reductions in force, defined as the permanent termination of employees, often on a large scale, typically due to financial hardship, restructuring, or other business decisions.

U.S. District Court Judge Susan Illston from the Northern District of California granted the unions a temporary restraining order, which will halt some of the layoffs that were announced on Oct. 10 and will prevent new layoffs from taking place until the next hearing on Oct. 28, at which she will consider an indefinite pause.

Although the administration has repeatedly stated that they will obey the order and stop the blocked layoffs, this comes after the Treasury and the Department of Health and Human Services saw the highest number of reductions, with more than 1,000 workers laid off. The administration has also clearly noted that they believe that most of the employees who received their notices before the court order, or are expecting to soon, are not protected by the court order, which only applies to programs or offices where the suing unions have members or bargaining units.

Judge Illston said that she does not think agencies should be carrying out layoffs while the temporary restraining order is in effect and urges the government to “err on the side of caution” at a status conference.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has called Illston “another far-left partisan judge.” Leavitt has also added that the White House is confident their actions are legal and called the layoffs “an unfortunate consequence” of the government shutdown.

The order is further complicated by the executive order issued by President Donald Trump earlier this year, which ended collective bargaining rights for most federal workers, citing national security concerns.

This means several agencies indicated they believed the court order does not apply to their employees because their agency no longer has an obligation to bargain with the unions that have sued the administration.

These layoffs still only amount to a small number of the federal employees who have left the government since Trump returned to the White House in January.

by Mariel Surprenant ’26 on October 23, 2025

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On Saturday, Oct. 18, thousands of Rhode Islanders gathered at the Rhode Island State House for a “No Kings” protest against President Donald Trump. The protest was one of thousands held across the country, at which citizens protested President Trump’s administration and agenda. An estimated 32,000 people of all ages and backgrounds gathered at the State House on Saturday, sporting inflatable costumes, flags, and signage, causing several street closures and an increased police presence.

The “No Kings” protests sweeping the country were started by the group Indivisible, which describes its mission as “to elect progressive leaders, rebuild our democracy, and defeat the Trump agenda.” The name of the demonstration comes from the group’s first mobilization effort on June 14, President Trump’s birthday. The “No Kings” protest was meant to “drown out” President Trump’s birthday parade in Washington, D.C. and send a clear message that protestors were fed up with what they see as President Trump’s authoritarian expansion of executive power.

The Providence protest was the largest “No Kings” protest in the state of Rhode Island. The event was attended by many left-wing activist groups, including the Raging Grannies, the Free Palestine Contingent, the Democratic Socialists of America, and Providence College’s very own Providence Immigrant Rights Coalition. The event was also attended by Rhode Island state Representatives Teresa Tanzi and. David Morales, a democratic socialist running against incumbent Brett Smiley in the 2026 mayoral election.

“Thank you for standing with our immigrant community,” Morales told the crowd. “Thank you for standing with our immigrant neighbors. Together we’re going to demonstrate that Rhode Island is a home for everyone, especially our immigrant brothers, sisters, and non-binary friends.”

At issue included increasing ICE raids across the nation, LGBTQ+ rights, the Russia-Ukraine war, the genocide in Gaza, funding for education and the national parks, the Epstein files, and President Trump’s accusations of fraud, bribery, rape, sexual harassment, and discrimination. Multiple demonstrators sported inflatable animal costumes in solidarity with protestors in Portland, OR, while others wore light yellow as a symbol of hope and nonviolent dissent.

“I’ve never considered myself a political person, but things have gone so far off course that I couldn’t stay silent any longer. Being here today in Providence was both heartbreaking and inspiring—heartbreaking that it’s come to this, but inspiring to see so many people standing up for democracy, decency, and each other,” said Jeanne, a protest participant and resident of Providence.

by Isabelle Camoin ’26 on October 9, 2025

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The time-honored tradition of homecoming and family weekend brought a multitude of lively energy to campus this past weekend, Oct. 3–5. Many faces, new and old, were seen on campus; returning graduates, legacy family members, cherished loved ones, and even pets were flourishing this weekend amidst the fall air. The vibes on and off campus were high, kicking off the weekend with an open house in Raymond Dining Hall, where families could get a taste of the notorious chicken nugget meal.

Saturday was packed with events that embraced the Friar spirit of bringing everyone together. Seniors living off campus opened their doors to family and friends, bringing the community together over potluck meals and live bands in their parking lots. The Friar 5K had a large turnout with over 1,000 runners, where participants, young and old, began their Saturday outside Harkins Hall, trotting through and around campus, and crossing the finish line at Ray Treacy Track. Braeden McDevitt won the men’s category, and Dana Bush ’00 won the women’s. Our very own Dean Sears finished the race at No. 11 with an impressive time of 19:49.

Slavin Lawn was packed with yummy bites from food trucks, lawn games, and entertainment varying from live performances from the Department of Theatre, Dance, and Film, live painting by Petal Pusher, and even a student band showcase. The hallmark of the weekend, Late Night Madness, featured performances from the PC Dance Club, PC Dance Company, Motherland Dance Group PC, the PC dance and cheer teams, and a cappella clubs before Carrie Underwood stepped on the stage to perform for the public and PC community.

The audience members for these performances were also introduced to the Friars men’s and women’s basketball teams, showcasing what is to come for their seasons this winter. This year was the first year the Amica Mutual Pavilion opened the floor to the public, and the student section was found in the higher seated sections. Friar students and family members filled the stadium with support for our on-campus groups.

Notable open houses of the weekend included visiting the new Ryan Incubator space in the Feinstein Academic Center, opening the doors to the new student entrepreneurship office, and Friartown’s Closet, the on-campus, student-run thrift shop supported by the Ryan Incubator, which was open for donations. Additionally, the Ben Mondor Center for Nursing and Health Sciences celebrated its first homecoming weekend in its new home on campus, inviting alumni to explore the new technology and areas of study the center brings to the PC community.

All in all, the sunny weather and the fall breeze made for a great atmosphere to spend outside with friends, family, and other loved ones, bringing the Friar spirit alive.

by Madison Benoit ‘29 on October 9, 2025

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Dr. Jane Goodall, the founder of The Jane Goodall Institute, a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and a world-renowned humanitarian, ethologist, and conservationist, died on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the age of 91 due to natural causes.

Dr. Goodall was best known for her study of wild chimpanzees, most notably the primates’ use of tools and distinct personalities. Her technique famously included living among chimpanzees. This led to her documenting the chimps doing activities that were previously only seen among humans.

Her extraordinary work with chimpanzees began at the age of only 26 in the 1960s. In a time when British authorities insisted she have a companion to travel to Africa to study, she brought her mother. When her work began, she lacked any formal scientific training and was instead chosen for her open mind. This very open mind is what allowed her to gain the chimpanzees’ trust and study their behaviors in a way no other human had.

Her speaking engagements and documentary appearances led her to become a beloved household name around the world, transcending generations. In her later years, Goodall continued her humanitarian work in education and advocacy, rather than in the jungle. Even after she turned 90, she continued to travel for nearly 300 days a year for public speeches.

Her speeches were known for being unique and often included her whooping like a chimpanzee or arguing that Tarzan chose the wrong Jane. Nonetheless, her message always stayed centered on advocacy and conservation of the natural world. She spoke often on the dangers of the climate crisis to our world, which she worked hard to combat.

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, she had been scheduled to meet with teachers and students in order to launch the planting of 5,000 trees in areas affected by wildfires in the Los Angeles region. After organizers learned of her death, the first tree was planted in Goodall’s name with a moment of silence. The spokesperson for EF Academy in Pasadena, Shawn Marino, said, “I don’t think there’s any better way to honor her legacy than having a thousand children gathered for her.”

Goodall has left behind a legacy that has inspired many across the world to protect the Earth and appreciate the beautiful animals that live here.

by Kaelynd Brouillette ’29 on October 9, 2025

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Opinion

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Don’t Let the Media Think for You

I usually don’t get pulled into discussions of conspiracy theories. Although some have a factual basis, I typically like my information to be concrete and deduce my opinions from proven facts. After Charlie Kirk was assassinated, I did my research about what happened and looked into the narrative being pushed by the federal government and the investigation team. What I found was that many aspects did not add up. My gut feeling was that something was off, and clearly, others thought that too. For example, Candace Owens, a conservative political journalist and dear friend of Kirk’s, used her platform to perform her own investigation. She even went as far as creating her own tipline and constructing her timeline of events, based on her research. To be honest, I was intrigued. It is evident the mass media is lying to us about the situation. Why should I blindly follow what the feds are saying when their narrative has so many pieces that simply do not add up? Why are more people not questioning this? This does not mean that I believe everything Owens has to say about the situation, but I do agree that she has a point. Many points are valid and make me question everything I thought I knew about the assassination. 

The FBI’s version of events that took place on Sept. 10 paints a clear and confident picture. According to their timeline, Tyler Robinson was identified as the shooter through “overwhelming” physical and digital evidence, including DNA on a towel used to wrap the rifle, fingerprints found on a nearby screwdriver, and surveillance footage placing him at the scene. Within roughly 33 hours, they claim to have tracked him down and arrested him, citing the case as a model of efficiency and cooperation between state and federal agencies. Officials at the press conference repeatedly emphasized their certainty, even going as far as to label Robinson a “disturbed lone actor.” They have publicly stated he was suicidal when he turned himself in, and that he was placed in a suicide-prevention smock for his own safety. To the FBI, the evidence was clear, but things simply don’t add up.

Owens tells a story very contrary to the FBI. She has questioned nearly every part of the FBI’s narrative, starting with the photos and videos released to the public. According to Owens, the supposed shooter looks different in nearly every image, which raises doubts about whether the footage has been altered or selectively edited. She has also pointed out the FBI’s failure to release the full, unedited video footage from the scene, and claims that a woman seen with the shooter has been completely omitted from the official record. Most importantly, Owens rejects the idea that this was the work of a “disturbed lone actor,” as the FBI has repeatedly insisted. In her eyes, the details don’t add up to one man acting alone, but rather they point to something much bigger, something coordinated. Owens argues that Robinson’s decision to turn himself in wasn’t an admission of guilt, but a response to fear. She says he believed the FBI was going to show up at his home and kill him, so he went to the station first to protect himself. Despite that, Robinson has never confessed to the crime, yet the narrative of his guilt has already been cemented in the public eye. Owens’ questions don’t just challenge the FBI’s competence; they challenge the entire system of trust between citizens and the institutions meant to protect them. Owens’ claims on what happened to Kirk go much deeper than just what is summarized above, but regardless, we, as a country, are not in a position to simply dismiss her ideas as simply being “crazy” or “impossible.” 

The tensions between Owens’ questions and the FBI’s are certainly more than just a difference in interpretation. It’s a reflection of our country’s growing lack of trust in the media and government. Every time we’re told to “believe in the facts,” those facts seem to shift depending on who they’re coming from. I believe we live in a society where the loudest voice is mistaken for the correct one. The media feeds us headlines before the facts have even been completely settled, and government agencies speak as if their word is law, instead of just one collected version of the story. Blind trust is easy. It asks nothing of us except for obedience. Yet questioning authority, demanding evidence, and refusing to take anyone’s word as gospel is what real civic engagement looks like. The truth does not come prepackaged, tied with a bow from D.C., or filed down a teleprompter; it’s something you have to dig for yourself. I’m asking anyone who is reading this to listen to both the FBI’s official statements and Candace Owens’ investigation. Hear the contradictions. Notice what’s said and, more importantly, what isn’t. Then decide for yourself what feels true. Because in a country built on freedom, the most dangerous thing we can do is stop thinking for ourselves.

by Clara Johnson ’26 on October 9, 2025

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Francesca Bambara and the Food Recovery Program

Every Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 a.m., Providence College student Francesca Bambara ’26 can be found behind the wheel of a massive 12-passenger van. If you ask her about it, she will tell you how much of a pain it is to maneuver the massive vehicle. She will also humbly explain that she is driving leftovers from Raymond Dining Hall to the Providence Rescue Mission as a part of the Food Recovery Program.

The Food Recovery Program was initiated last year by Jazzlynn Goncalves ’25. Goncalves had an initial vision to build a community fridge at the Wanskuck Community Library as her project for her fellowship with the Dialogue, Inclusion, and Democracy Lab. She partnered with ECOPC, PC’s environmental group, where she first connected with Bambara to collaborate on this project.

The group quickly realized that the community fridge initiative would take a long time to get off the ground. Unsatisfied with waiting, they partnered with the Providence Rescue Mission, a local Catholic non-profit that provides both food and shelter to local folks experiencing homelessness. The food Bambara provides often serves as the base for the meals they serve in their soup kitchen.

When Goncalves graduated, she left the Food Recovery Program in good hands. Bambara has joined the DID Lab and, in continued partnership with ECOPC, she keeps the vision of the community fridge alive. She is currently working with the Wanskuck Library to submit a budget and build a network of local restaurants and businesses for the community fridge. In the meantime, she continues to drive the van, ensuring that folks are getting the nutrients they need.

Bambara’s leadership of the Food Recovery Program is far from her first foray into social justice. She has always loved to build connections with people. When she arrived at PC, she quickly learned through her classes that she could do that by studying global studies and sociology. Bambara’s passions have led her to want to become a human rights and immigration lawyer.

When asked why she is driven to do this work, she replied, “Somebody has to do it. Whatever you’re good at, whatever you are passionate about—that’s what you should do.” Bambara lives that concept out in her life, using her talents and abilities to serve and advance justice.

As a part of her passion for justice, Bambara decided to study abroad in Madrid, Spain. She overcame her fears in order to improve her Spanish and grow in her ability to help and serve others. While there, she worked for Helsinki Hispania, a human rights nonprofit named for Spain’s declaration of human rights. Through this work, she gained a diverse and global perspective on social justice.  

Bambara has also spent her college career as a member of ECOPC, and she currently serves as one of the co-presidents.

When I asked about her extensive range of passions, she told me, “When I think about social justice, everything just overlaps. You can’t care about one thing without thinking about another. You can’t care about immigration without thinking about society and culture. You can’t think about sustainability without thinking about racial justice.”

Bambara’s perspective on how intertwined people are and the connection within these issues is evident in her diverse work. PC is certainly fortunate to have a student like Bambara, who wakes up earlier than most students would ever consider to lug pounds and pounds of food, saving it from the landfill and serving our community.

by Shannon Kelly ’26 on October 9, 2025

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A Speech from Pope Leo 

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Pope Leo XIV spoke at a conference centered on climate change in Castel Gandolfo, Italy. This was his first speech on the environment since becoming pope in May. In light of celebrating ten years of Laudato si’, an encyclical written by Pope Francis which focuses on the importance of caring for our common home, Pope Leo XIV centered his call around the need for global action to protect the world as we know it. As explained by Pope Leo XIV, “the challenges identified in Laudato si’ are in fact even more relevant today than they were 10 years ago.” 

Pope Leo XIV put pressure on the people to call on their respective governments to take action and involve themselves in addressing one of the world’s most pressing issues—climate change. He emphasized the fact that “We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.” Pope Leo XIV also spoke to the connection that is often formed between environmental degradation and poverty. He continually emphasized the bond that remains between having a concern for nature, seeking justice for the poor, remaining committed to society, and desiring interior peace. He stated that striving for the common good should always be at the forefront of all that we do, while sticking to the fact that there is no room for indifference or resignation in conversations centered on climate change. 

Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the need for upcoming international conferences, such as the 2025 Climate Change Conference, the 53rd Plenary Session of the Committee on World Food Security, and the 2026 Water Conference, to listen to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, families, indigenous peoples, involuntary migrants, and believers all over the world. The Pope reminds us that we are all one family, who depend on one another and whose actions reap consequences both in the present day and in the future. Pope Leo XIV preached the need for unity in his own words: “We inhabit the same planet, and we must care for it together.”

Pope Leo XIV has recently spoken in regards to the political climate in the United States at this current moment. He weighed in on the dichotomy of those who say they are pro-life, but agree with the inhumane treatment of immigrants in the U.S., stating that he does not know if that is truly pro-life. Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich highlighted the divisions that exist in the U.S., saying that Catholics have been left “politically homeless.” In Pope Leo XIV’s final remarks, he concluded with a question regarding each and every one of us as people. After acknowledging that God asks us to cultivate and care for the world that he created, which we all are called to do as believers, we must reckon with taking true care of our brothers and sisters. Will we cultivate the earth, care for the environment, and support our loved ones for the benefit of future generations, or in the words of the Pope, “what will be our answer?”

by Amanda Ayres ’26 and Ava La Bruno ’27 on October 9, 2025

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Congress Updates

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On Tuesday, Sept. 30, Student Congress was pleased to welcome Providence College men’s basketball head coach, Kim English, to our general assembly meeting. Coach English began by reflecting on a productive offseason and sharing his excitement about the upcoming season. He highlighted the strengths of this year’s roster, including both newly recruited players and his veteran returning players. Coach English emphasized that the players on the current roster, and those who he will recruit in the future, all align with the team’s core values: toughness and hard work. He stressed the importance of achieving certain goals during their games, including shooting 40 percent from the field, holding opponents to no more than seven three-pointers and seven offensive rebounds per game, achieving 40 paint touches, maintaining a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, and shooting at least 75 percent from the free-throw line. 

When reflecting on the differences between last year’s team and this year’s, he told us that he is hopeful that there will be a stronger emphasis on brotherhood and commitment to PC’s mission this year. He also mentioned that he has begun inviting guest speakers to speak to the team about the distractions of social media commentary. Coach English commented on the effects of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and how he and the rest of the coaching staff are working to keep the team focused on the goals right in front of them. 

His expectations of the fans will not be hard to achieve for us Friars. He wants us to keep the energy up—keep coming to games and showing the opposing teams the Amica Mutual Pavilion (AMP) atmosphere we are known for, but he also emphasized how he expects our student section to show respect to our opponents and their coaches. Have fun, show school spirit, and make sure we keep the PC mission at the forefront, just like the team is expected to. 

The Friars have an exciting schedule lined up, and the first few games are very important. Their first game is on Nov. 3 at the AMP, and we cannot wait to see the team back on the court. Student Congress was grateful to Coach English for coming to speak to us about his goals and hopes for the season.

As for the rest of the meeting, the newly elected and selected members of the class of 2029 were sworn in, and we are excited to finally have a full 76th Student Congress! The legislation for the proposal of Just Dance Club was approved, and an amendment to the Constitution of Student Congress was proposed pertaining to the events hosted by the Outreach Committee, which will be voted on at the next meeting.