Temporary Zoom Ban for High Schoolers Caused Unnecessary Complications
The global impact of COVID-19 has required schools all over the world to adapt quickly to the new standard necessary for students to continue learning, but Berkeley High School (BHS) seems to have struggled doing so. Among other problems like conflicting class schedules and confusing online instruction, BHS staff shut...
COVID-19 School Closures Show Need for Better Funding in Public Schools
Whether it be because of access to technology, being in a caregiver position, or being an essential worker, across school districts it has become clear that while “we’re all in this together,” some students are clearly better equipped for distance learning than others. To assist these students, Berkeley Unified School...
Why Can’t Berkeley High Retain a Principal?
Within memorable history, BHS seems to have not had a principal last longer than a graduating class. Even before the mysterious departure of Sam Pasarow, BHS was unable to maintain a principal for more than a few years, one lasting only two weeks.
Oversexualization of the Human Body Damages Self-Esteem
There are many wacky traditions here at Berkeley High School (BHS), but arguably the wackiest is Senior Streak. During this upcoming event, students run through the school and into the city with no clothes on. Though it may seem all fun and cheeky, Senior Streak brings up a more serious...
COVID-19 Sparks Uninformed and Harmful Reactions
With the recent COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, heightened fear has manifested in selfish precautions and inappropriate humor to a racist extent. Reactions to the coronavirus have ranged from obsessively using hand sanitizer, choosing to physically isolate oneself, and buying an absurd amount of food in response to the possibility of a...
Public Servants Deserve Berkeley Housing
From the constantly moving camps of homeless people to streets filled with empty houses, the Bay Area is a clear example of a housing crisis. As more people move in, locals are displaced and forced to move into the suburbs in order to live at a somewhat reasonable price. Gentrification...
Is Democratic Socialism the Solution?
What is democratic socialism? According to its supporters, it’s a political movement to create a more equitable economy, prioritizing people’s needs over profit in sectors such as healthcare and education. For decades, traditional voters and politicians have feared democratic socialism. With the exception of the past two election cycles, the...
Student Leadership Candidates Must Make Realistic Promises
Election signs litter the hallways, accounts for various candidates suddenly start showing up on your Instagram feed, and the perennial question is, “who are you voting for?” Welcome to election season at Berkeley High School (BHS). Each year, a new group of students announce their candidacy for a variety of...
Hook-up Culture Hurts Female Students
These past few weeks at Berkeley High School (BHS) have led to many heartbreaking, but crucial conversations surrounding our student hook-up culture. In many ways, Berkeley, as a whole, is seen as an extremely progressive and non-judgemental community. However, at BHS, though the shaming and stigmatization of women do not...
Online Activism Develops New Meaning
When we think of social media activism, we often think of reposting a video of melting ice caps and endangered polar bears, or “raising awareness” for the protests in Sudan by changing one’s profile picture. There are also movements like “#MeToo” and “Black Lives Matter” that began as nothing more...
BHS Black History Education Curriculum Lacks Consistency
For over 50 years, Berkeley High School (BHS) has boasted a unique department: African American (AFAM) Studies. While many colleges have AFAM departments, BHS is the only high school in the nation with one of its own. Even so, many complain about a lack of education when it comes to...
Activism Must Reflect Needs of Students of Color
“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own,” said Audre Lorde, a Black writer and feminist, who strongly believed in the importance of intersectionality. During times of protest, it is important to remember Lorde’s words. In the current climate...
Early Primary Date Excludes Young Voters
Every four years, American culture is consumed by the election of our next president. The process for this is well-known. First, each party holds a series of state primaries and caucuses to decide their nominee, then the two nominees run against each other in a national election. However, this year...
BHS Success Relies on Measures E,G, & H
A good education system is crucial to creating a well-functioning society. And yet, American public schools often don’t get the funding they need, and teachers are given inadequate salaries despite their hard work. In Berkeley, we are striving to change this. Tax measures E, G, and H have been proposed...
Widespread Engagement is the Solution to BHS Rape Culture
The system of reporting sexual harm is not working, and it has been dysfunctional for a while. Sexual assault is traumatic. The list in the bathroom was an example of students taking matters into their own hands when the system failed them.
Moms 4 Housing Highlights Inequities
There are many human rights, and one of them is shelter. We all need a place to live. Recently, a movement has emerged in Oakland called Moms 4 Housing. It was formed by several moms who were displaced in Oakland. In West Oakland, there was a house that had been...
Young People Fear International Conflict
On Friday, January 3, many woke up to the disorienting “WW3” hashtag trending across social media platforms. Following a United States airstrike that led to the death of a high ranking Iranian general, Qassem Soleimani, the country appeared to be in chaos. Iran’s reaction to this controversial move seemed unpredictable,...
Philanthropic Immoralities Shield the Importance of Giving
In recent years, philanthropy has become a highly controversial topic. Defined by Merriam-Webster as an “active effort to promote human welfare,” the term is often more specifically associated with the wealthy giving to the poor. In addition, due to a number of high-profile scandals surrounding the wealthy and their “charitable”...