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Articles by Cameron Ehsan
Stanford president highlights academic freedom amid law school controversy
Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne renewed the University’s commitment to academic freedom and teased new measures to safeguard free expression in an email to the campus community Monday morning. The endorsement of academic freedom at the highest level of Stanford leadership comes after law students protested a speech by conservative federal judge Kyle Duncan on March 9. Duncan was invited to campus by Stanford’s chapter of the Federalist Society.
Stanford officials apologize for course enrollment crash, pledge fixes
As a growing number of issues plague an aging campus infrastructure, Stanford officials from a range of academic and IT departments sought to assuage faculty members’ concerns over problematic course enrollment systems at the first Faculty Senate meeting of the year Thursday. At the same meeting, senators were also briefed on the University’s response to the increasingly frequent power outages to the main campus.
Marginalized communities face widespread discrimination at Stanford, DEI survey finds
After more than a year, Stanford released the qualitative results of its first campus-wide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) survey on Thursday. The qualitative results revealed widespread discriminatory and harassing behaviors on campus affecting communities of color as well as non-binary and transgender individuals on campus.
Q&A: Ajwang Rading discusses why he’s running for Stanford’s congressional district
The Daily sat down with Ajwang Rading, a civil rights and public policy lawyer who is running for California’s 16th U.S. Congress seat — the district of Silicon Valley and Stanford University that is currently held by Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.). Once a legislative fellow for Sen.
Mike Pence calls on Stanford students to reject ‘woke left,’ embrace conservative values
Former Vice President Mike Pence took aim at the “woke left,” cancel culture and the Biden administration in a highly anticipated speech on Thursday. Pence urged students to embrace conservative values, praised his administration’s accomplishments and reiterated his stance that he lacked authority to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
The School of Humanities and Sciences has received a $1 million commitment to support the Stanford Cantonese language program, the Save Cantonese campaign announced on Jan. 26. The gift comes from S.J. Distributors, a Milpitas-based wholesale grocery supplier. Endowment returns will sustain the program in perpetuity with two courses offered each quarter, according to the campaign organizers.
From Buzz to Fizz: Anonymous social platform takes off at Stanford
When two Stanford sophomores launched the anonymous social platform Buzz on campus in August, it attracted several hundred Stanford users. Now, less than six months since its inception, Buzz has made its mark on campus life with its user base skyrocketing to nearly three-quarters of the undergraduate student population.
Stanford College Republicans invites Mike Pence to speak on campus
The Stanford College Republicans (SCR) has invited former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence to speak on campus during winter quarter. The student organization submitted a $6,000 Standard Grant application to the Undergraduate Senate on Nov. 4 to host Pence. The Undergraduate Senate is now considering SCR’s application.
Widespread discriminatory and harassing behaviors disproportionally affect marginalized groups on campus, survey finds
Widespread discriminatory and harassing behaviors disproportionally affect communities of color as well as non-binary, trans and disabled communities on campus, according to the findings of the University’s first campus-wide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) survey released on Wednesday. The survey, which was conducted in May, asked questions about inclusion and belonging on campus and collected data about race, ethnicity and other identities.
Stanford considers expanding undergraduate enrollment by 25%
Stanford has raised $1.67 billion from donors to fund priorities in the Long-Range Vision, including the potential creation of a ninth neighborhood and a 25% increase in undergraduate enrollment, announced Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne and Vice President for Development Jon Denney at Thursday’s Faculty Senate meeting.
Students report persisting issues with UG2-managed package centers
As a Type 1 diabetic patient, fourth-year Ph.D. student Delaney Miller requires regular intake of insulin. She relies on a package center on the Stanford campus for medication delivery, but when she ordered her first shipment of insulin after the package center operator changed in September, the doses were nowhere to be found. When Miller finally received her insulin — two days and multiple frantic emails later — the doses were unrefrigerated and at risk of spoiling.
As strike continues, RAs divided over its outcome
First name pseudonyms are used to improve readability. The identities of resident assistants, while known to The Daily, are being withheld for fear of retaliation. When resident assistants, or RAs, from more than 28 dorms announced their strike on Sept. 2, they presented a unified front against the University. But as the strike wraps up its second week, cracks in the RA contingent have emerged.
RAs on strike indefinitely after Stanford fails to meet demands
Resident assistants (RAs) from more than 28 residence halls have gone on strike indefinitely after Stanford administrators failed to meet their demands for enhanced COVID-19 protections, higher pay and a revised alcohol and drug policy. The collective action by student employees — unprecedented in recent times — represents a significant escalation between student staff and the University just over a week before frosh are set to arrive on campus.
RAs to strike ‘indefinitely’ starting Thursday unless Stanford meets demands
Resident assistants (RAs) from more than 20 dorms have threatened to strike starting Thursday if their demands for adequate COVID-19 safety measures and expanded compensation are not met by the University.
Jacob Meisel, electrical engineering coterm, dies at 23
Jacob Meisel, a coterminal student pursuing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering, passed away in Palo Alto last Monday. He was 23. The news was shared with students, faculty and staff on Wednesday in an email from Vice Provost for Student Affairs Susie Brubaker-Cole. Out of respect for the family’s wishes, The Daily is withholding the cause of death. “We know this is difficult news to bear, especially at a time of great loss worldwide,” Brubaker-Cole wrote.
Public safety board calls for Stanford to “reimagine” campus policing
The Community Board on Public Safety issued recommendations on Wednesday calling for the “reimagining” of public safety at Stanford by reducing the presence of armed officers on campus and removing armed officers from responding to most mental health crises. In its first annual progress report, the board presents data calling attention to how people of color on campus are disproportionately targeted by the police.
Stanford removes library collection, brick honoring affiliates accused of sexual misconduct
Stanford on Tuesday moved to strip the name of deceased English professor Jay Fliegelman Ph.D. ’77, who was accused of sexual assault, from his namesake library collection. The renaming was prompted by four years of advocacy from alumni and law professor Michele Dauber. The decision comes as the University faces heightened scrutiny over how it has honored administrators and faculty members accused of sexual misconduct.
After Atlas legal threat, Faculty Senate committee calls for expanded legal representation for faculty members
A Faculty Senate committee is calling on Stanford to expand University representation for faculty and staff members who face legal action. The request comes as questions over the limits on free speech and academic freedom on campus remain largely unanswered. Faculty members said such support would be largely symbolic, but especially after a year of controversy, having the University’s backing would suggest a strong commitment to safeguarding academic freedom.
Amid pressure, Stanford lifts hold on law student’s graduation diploma
After public backlash, the University on Tuesday lifted a hold that it had placed on a third-year law student’s graduation diploma over a satirical email he had sent to his peers mocking the Stanford branch of the Federalist Society. Despite its action, Stanford continues to face intensifying questions over the bounds of free speech on campus and its enforcement of policies.
Stanford allows exception for School of Business in-person graduation — sparking outrage from students | The Stanford Daily
Stanford’s Graduate School of Business (GSB) is the only graduate school that will get to host its own official in-person graduation ceremony during commencement week after the University granted the school an exception — a decision that some students in other schools are calling a “slap in the face.” The GSB’s June 7 event in Frost Amphitheater would not have been permitted under the University’s previously announced plans for commencement week, which provided for an in-person commencement...
The incoming Stanford student living under siege in Gaza
Yousef AbuHashem ’25 has kept a small backpack close to him since Israeli airstrikes targeting Gaza began 11 days ago. The bag is large enough to fit only the bare essentials: his birth certificate, passport, secondary school diploma, clothing and cash. “When we hear that our house or any nearby building is threatened, we grab the bag and have to leave everything behind,” AbuHashem said. If his home is bombed, the bag will be all he has left.
Athletes sue Stanford over decision to eliminate 11 varsity sports teams
Student-athletes filed two lawsuits against Stanford in federal court on Wednesday, challenging the University’s decision to cut 11 of its 36 varsity sports programs. Athletes from eight of the teams that will be eliminated allege breach of contract and intentional misrepresentation because Stanford misled them into joining the programs. In a separate legal challenge, athletes on five of the women’s teams accused the University of Title IX sex discrimination stemming from the cuts.
Study disputing efficacy of face masks is not a ‘Stanford study,’ School of Medicine says
The Stanford School of Medicine clarified on Wednesday that the author of a study disputing the use of face masks to prevent COVID-19 is not a current Stanford or VA Palo Alto Health Care System affiliate. The school said in a statement that it strongly endorses the use of face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
IDEAL fellows eager to engage, inspire undergraduates in race and ethnicity studies
As an undergraduate student, Kelly Nguyen ’12 was an active member of the Stanford community, participating in research and Asian-American activism on campus. Two years after graduating with degrees in archaeology and classics, Nguyen began her doctoral studies at Brown University, where she is set to become the school’s first woman to receive a Ph.D. in ancient history. This fall, Nguyen will return to her alma mater — but this time, not as a student.
Stanford cut its only Cantonese lectureship. Now, organizers are campaigning to secure its future
Student and alumni organizers have launched an initiative that aims to establish an endowed Cantonese instructor position to amplify the language and cultural education at Stanford for years to come. The organizers say their campaign is a grassroots effort to highlight the importance of Cantonese and minority language education — affected not only by budget shortfalls but also by a political climate that has abetted anti-Asian racism.
Faculty Senate unanimously votes in favor of renaming Medical Center Line
The Faculty Senate unanimously voted on Thursday in favor of renaming the Medical Center Line, a track for faculty who engage in clinical care and research, to “University Medical Line” — a change administrators say would help recruit and retain world-class medical faculty members and clarify that medical line faculty are employed by Stanford University and not its medical centers.
Stanford taps athletics official, civil rights attorney for key equity and sexual violence response posts
Stanford announced on Wednesday that it is appointing two men to key roles overseeing the response to sexual harassment and violence — a decision that drew mixed responses from survivor advocates. Deputy Athletics Director Patrick Dunkley will serve as vice provost for institutional equity, access and community, and civil rights attorney Stephen Chen will serve as Title IX coordinator and director of the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Education (SHARE) Office.
Faculty Senate briefed on new sustainability school, issues facing athletics department
University administrators leading planning efforts for the new school focused on climate and sustainability outlined the school’s interdisciplinary structure — which they say will fuse traditional departments and policy institutes — to the Faculty Senate at its Thursday evening meeting.
Hoover fellow Scott Atlas uses Stanford College Republicans event to rewrite history
Throughout the pandemic, Hoover Institution senior fellow Scott Atlas has repeatedly pushed groundless claims about pandemic mitigation strategies. But he used his Friday showing at an event hosted by the Stanford College Republicans to claim he had never put forth such statements — including those regarding mask wearing and herd immunity — while continuing to argue for their validity.
RAs call for stricter consequences to public health violations as Stanford proceeds with spring quarter plans
When a third-year resident assistant first heard about Stanford’s decision to bring back juniors and seniors to campus in the spring, she was excited to be reunited with her friends after an entire year of remote learning. But concerns began to surface when she viewed the situation through the lens of her role as a frosh dorm student staff member. “As a junior, I’m really excited to be around people my age and I feel it could potentially work if people follow the rules,” she said.
Faculty Senate declines to take stance on ASSU resolution to unhouse Greek life
Despite calls from students to abolish Greek life at Stanford, the Faculty Senate declined to take a stance on an Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU) resolution that urged the University to permanently unhouse Greek organizations. The Senate also heard reports on academic continuity and the adverse effects of the pandemic on the Stanford faculty at its Thursday meeting.
Academic freedom or misinformation? After controversies settle, Stanford faculty remains divided over the Hoover Institution
Since its inception as a think tank in 1959, critics have pointed to competing values that exist between the Hoover Institution and Stanford University. One faculty report in the 1980s called for a “divorce” if Stanford could not assert more control over Hoover, and more recent efforts have been aimed at reigning in the independence granted to the Institution over other academic programs. But scrutiny of the Hoover Institution rose to new heights during the pandemic.
George Shultz, renowned statesman and Hoover distinguished fellow, dies at 100
George Shultz, who as secretary of state played a pivotal role in ushering in the end of the Cold War, died on Saturday at his Stanford home. He was 100. Shultz was a distinguished fellow at the Hoover Institution and professor emeritus at the Graduate School of Business. One of the most influential diplomats of the twentieth century, Shultz served the United States in three presidential administrations and is one of only two individuals to have held four cabinet positions.
Stanford waives standardized testing requirement for Class of 2026 and transfer applicants
Stanford will not require first-year and transfer applicants to submit standardized test scores during the 2021-22 admissions season, the Office of Undergraduate Admission announced on Tuesday. “We recognize the ongoing challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, including limited access to admission testing worldwide,” the announcement read.
Stanford delays release of admissions decisions after ‘notable increase’ in applications | The Stanford Daily
The admissions office announced on Tuesday that it will release admissions decisions roughly a week later than in previous years due to a “notable increase” in applications for the Class of 2025. Applicants will receive decisions by April 9 instead of the originally scheduled April 1, and the enrollment deadline has also been extended from May 1 to May 3 to reflect the delayed timeline.
Dozens gather on campus, violating COVID-19 rules on Saturday | The Stanford Daily
At least two gatherings of 20 individuals or more, many unmasked, occurred on Saturday in violation of Stanford’s Campus Compact and county public health mandates. Around 5 p.m., a student reported a gathering near 664 Lomita Court to the Stanford University Department of Public Safety (SUDPS).
Stanford Health Care opens COVID-19 vaccines to patients over 65 | The Stanford Daily
After inviting all affiliated medical workers to get vaccinated, Stanford Health Care has opened up COVID-19 vaccines to patients over the age of 65. Stanford’s decision comes after the state revised its guidance, allowing health care centers to determine when to expand vaccine eligibility.
Stanford students attempt 8,000-mile Triple Crown hike in under a year | The Stanford Daily
Not long after the COVID-19 pandemic hit and Stanford students were forced to return home, Sammy Potter ’22 began searching for an odyssey. Faced with the same routine day in, day out, Potter quickly grew dissatisfied with the monotony of online classes. He longed for a sense of fulfillment — one that staying home would not be able to satisfy. And so he dusted off long-neglected adventure books and plotted his own outdoor journey.
Thousands petition Stanford to ‘save’ Cantonese program, renew sole lecturer’s contract | The Stanford Daily
More than 3,000 individuals have signed a petition urging Stanford to renew the contract of its only Cantonese lecturer and sustain the Cantonese language program. In response to the petition and concerns related to the longevity of the program, the University has committed to offering two Cantonese courses during the next academic year.
Stanford leadership, professors condemn storming of Capitol by pro-Trump rioters | The Stanford Daily
Stanford professors from across the political spectrum forcefully condemned the mob of Trump supporters that stormed the United States Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, as well as Republican lawmakers who had objected to the certification of the presidential election. The riots came after President Donald Trump repeatedly refused to accept President-elect Joe Biden’s victory, baselessly alleging fraud and claiming that the contest was stolen from him.
‘We’re going in blind’: Resident assistants sound alarm on winter quarter | The Stanford Daily
As winter quarter approaches, Stanford is preparing to welcome frosh, sophomores and new transfers to campus at a time when coronavirus cases are surging and intensive care units are reaching capacity. While most academic instruction will remain remote, around 4,000 undergraduates are expected to move into campus housing by the end of January.
Board of Trustees announces plans for interdisciplinary data science facility | The Stanford Daily
Stanford’s Board of Trustees approved plans to construct a new interdisciplinary data science building at its Dec. 6 to 8 virtual meeting. The Bridge Complex for the Digital Future will serve as an interdisciplinary hub for computation and data science, supporting statistics, computer science, symbolic systems and other related departments and programs. The facility will host classrooms, offices, undergraduate study space and interdisciplinary research space.
Stanford to start administering COVID-19 vaccines to medical workers next week | The Stanford Daily
Stanford will begin administering a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines to essential health care personnel on Dec. 18. The University expects that the vaccines will be made available to all Stanford Medicine affiliates by the end of January. Hospitals across the country are preparing for delivery of the vaccines, which are expected to arrive next week.
Xavier Becerra ’80 J.D. ’84: The path to the president’s Cabinet | The Stanford Daily
Image: Courtesy of the Office of the Attorney General, California Department of Justice; Photo Illustration: Evan Peng / The Stanford Daily This article is part of a series of profiles of Stanford alumni in politics. Click here to read the rest of the stories. Xavier Becerra ’80 J.D. ’84, California’s 33rd attorney general, is widely recognized as a rising star in the Democratic Party.
Biden to nominate Xavier Becerra ’80 J.D. ’84 to lead Health and Human Services | The Stanford Daily
President-elect Joe Biden is expected to nominate California Attorney General Xavier Becerra ’80 J.D. ’84 as secretary of health and human services, The New York Times reported Sunday. If confirmed, Becerra would be the first Latino to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Becerra’s selection for the role is a surprise as he was believed to be under consideration for U.S. attorney general and emerged as a favorite to succeed Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the U.S. Senate.
Bay Area counties’ stay-at-home orders may complicate Stanford’s winter plans | The Stanford Daily
Six Bay Area jurisdictions plan to implement a regional stay-at-home order, acting ahead of the state’s timeline and criteria, to curb a steep rise in coronavirus cases and consequent hospitalizations. The restrictions, which take effect starting Dec. 6 through Jan. 4, may complicate Stanford’s plan to provide on-campus housing to frosh, sophomores and new transfers during the winter quarter.
Stanford cuts only Cantonese lecturing spot, putting future of program in doubt | The Stanford Daily
Stanford will not renew the contract of its only Cantonese lecturer, creating uncertainty about the future of the Cantonese language program. Community members say the cut is a profound loss, especially in the context of the historical marginalization of Cantonese speakers by Stanford’s founder.
Stanford shores up testing availability as 15 staff members test positive for COVID-19 | The Stanford Daily
Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across the county and state, Stanford reported 15 positive tests among faculty, staff and postdocs in the past week and no new student cases. The University has also added an additional 1,000 testing spots following reports that testing was unavailable for 10 days following Thanksgiving, according to Provost Persis Drell. The 15 cases are believed to be unrelated.
County’s COVID-19 restrictions complicate Stanford athletics | The Stanford Daily
Stanford’s football and basketball teams will not be allowed to practice or host games on campus as a result of more stringent COVID-19 restrictions issued by Santa Clara County public health officials on Saturday amid a surge in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. The revised public health order complicates the teams’ already variable scheduling and could impact the University’s plan to bring frosh and sophomores to campus for the winter quarter.
Stanford reports spike in COVID-19 cases as state tightens restrictions | The Stanford Daily
Stanford reported a spike in COVID-19 cases among students and staff on Monday as the state imposed more severe COVID-19 restrictions on most of California’s population, including Santa Clara County. Stanford will be required to move most indoor activities outside since the county is now in the purple “widespread” tier. The new restrictions and worsening public health outlook could impact the University’s plan to bring first-years and sophomores to campus in the winter.
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