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.
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...
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...
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.
Early Decision Impedes Equity of Admission Process
The levels of cortisol are at an all-time high for the Berkeley High School (BHS) class of 2020. Every year, students feel their hearts palpitate as college admission decisions begin to come out. After all of the years of hard work, struggle, and strife, it is incredibly scary — and...
Black Friday: The Epitome of Toxic Consumerism
This past week, we celebrated Thanksgiving and — the almost more highly anticipated — Black Friday: a uniquely American tradition that exemplifies the prominence of consumerist habits in this country. In a subdued act of rebellion, some companies have stopped hosting Black Friday sales or have even closed on Black...
Editorial: Thanksgiving Narrative Distorts Indigenous History
Thanksgiving is explained to children in the US as pilgrims welcoming the Natives of the land they have just arrived on to their festive feast, sharing love, and going around the table to say what they are most grateful for. Of course these school lessons neglect to mention the disease,...
Teen Vape Deaths Leave BHS Addicts Seeking Support
At Berkeley High School (BHS), it requires more energy to avoid vaping than it does to try it. Teens are drawn to the rebellious act of vaping, especially when it’s advertised in such a glamorous way. Many students were initially drawn to vaping because everyone seemed to be doing it....
Homogenous Staff Fails to Reflect Student Diversity
Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) is a trailblazer in the education system, with privileges such as late start Mondays, off campus lunch, and the Health Center. However, we must address how our teaching staff does not represent the diversity of our student body at Berkeley High School (BHS). BHS students...
Editorial: Impeachment: an Issue of Ethics, Not Politics
When we talk about impeachment, the discussion often returns to political strategies and upcoming elections. In reality, it’s just a matter of whether or not the president is abiding by the law. Impeachment is included in the United States (US) Constitution in order to hold all Americans accountable, including the...
Abortion Bans Undermine Basic Human Rights
Having the option to abort a pregnancy is a human right. This stance, of course, comes from the privileged mindset of those who have been reminded of this fact for their entire teenage lives. Growing up in a politically engaged city has the potential to shape one’s moral compass, especially...
Amid Threats of Censorship, Free Press Flourishes
Kathi Duffel, a high school English teacher and faculty advisor of Bear Creek High School’s award winning newspaper The Bruin Voice, might be out of a job. On April 11, she received a letter from the Lodi Unified School District in Stockton threatening to fire her if she didn’t allow...
Press Autonomy Amplifies Power of Youth Engagement
The first amendment of the United States Constitution enshrines the freedom of the press as a value of democracy. The reason why the freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and the right to assemble are all protected by the first amendment is that these rights allow people to criticize...