Barrie Barto

Responses to federal policy changes and effects on higher education Many of you were able to vote in your first presidential election this year, and you attended two debates on campus discussing the presidential candidates and policy stances of both candidates. You also attended Balletpalooza, and Vanderbilt was recognized for its work in engaging you and your peers to vote. President Donald Trump was projected the winner of the election on Nov. 6, 2024, and took office on Jan.

School’s out, and so are your required readings. Start your summer off with books you’ll actually want to read. May 6, 2025 Barrie Barto, Former Editor-in-Chief “The Rook” by Daniel O’Malley This has been my favorite book since middle school, and my paperback has a well-worn spine to prove it. O’Malley’s debut novel centers around Myfanwy (rhymes with Tiffany) Thomas, who wakes up with no memories, surrounded by dead bodies in a park; all she has is a note (from herself) in her pocket.

The American Association of Colleges and Universities recently penned a letter calling for “constructive engagement” in protest of federal overreach into higher education. Vanderbilt, a member of the AAC&U, was notably absent from the letter’s over 500 signees — among whom were the leaders of 12 of U.S News’ top 20 American universities.