Consent education needs to include diverse representation

“For many Black survivors, feeling that they won’t be believed is a major barrier to reporting sexual violence,” reported RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.

New People's Park plans aid community

East of Telegraph Avenue and surrounded by Haste Street, Bowditch Street, and Dwight Way, People’s Park is the center point of much controversy due to its unhoused residents and historical significance, as well as the long-established building plans that led to the park’s recent closing.

NSBE helps foster Black passion for STEM

As of 2021, careers in STEM continue to be white-dominated. White men alone comprise 49 percent of  STEM professionals in the United States, while Black individuals, of all genders, make up only 9 percent of the workforce.

Social media driven overconsumption harms BHS youth

Due in large part to social media, consumer culture is on the rise. Nowadays, many social media users feel like they have to participate in every trend that emerges, caused by a fear of missing out.

New changes to FAFSA bring much-needed improvements

Every year, the United States Department of Education gives away around $112 billion in free federal student aid. All students are required to do in order to receive this aid is fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, otherwise known as FAFSA.

California must recognize Spanish as an official language 

California contains a huge number of Spanish speakers, with nineteen percent of California residents speaking Spanish. However, California’s sole official language is English.

Government funding of BART is critical

BART is a crucial part of the Bay Area’s transportation infrastructure, and it’s in trouble. The Bay Area’s sole heavy-weight rail system has recently been faced with a financial crisis.

Group exams build collaboration skills

School projects and exams have long been thought of as individual assessments. However, collaborative testing introduces a new way to evaluate students.

Military recruiters target low-income students in the US

In 1973, the United States Selective Service announced the end of the draft, marking the U.S. Military’s shift to an all-volunteer service. Since then, the military branches have relied on recruitment to help fill their ranks.

Valedictorian award causes anxiety and harm to students

Every year, over 25,000 valedictorians are named across the country. Being valedictorian is an honor typically awarded to the student with the highest GPA and the best class rank.

GoGuardian: A danger to student privacy or a useful online tool?

Pro GoGuardian is a very controversial platform at Berkeley High School. While many teachers use it often and appreciate it, students don’t always share the same views.

Teacher-nominated awards harm students

Academic awards are a sought-after praise that students may work hard to earn. Receiving an award, whether at a school, local, national, or international level is a great honor for any Berkeley High School student.

China releases new youth cell phone policy: US must not follow

China recently announced an age-based screen time limit to cut down on children’s phone usage, raising the question of whether or not this policy will truly have positive effects.

Controversy training for teachers is essential to cover relevant topics

With so many controversial issues across the globe, it is of utmost importance that teachers be equipped to handle controversy and debate in the classroom.

All BHS classes should utilize active learning

What does a successful classroom look like? Is it a teacher standing at the front giving a lecture, or is it more similar to students sitting together at a table, discussing ideas, asking questions, or completing a project?

Differences in political beliefs benefit friendships, community

Perhaps you’ve heard of the phrase “The Berkeley Bubble.” This phrase refers to the comfortable and sheltered atmosphere Berkeley provides regarding culture, social acceptance, and liberal politics.

Students must become caffeine conscious

Nowadays, in zero and first period, students can be spotted with a cup of Joe from Peet’s Coffee or K’s Cafe. Despite the popularity of fun caffeinated drinks, caffeine intake has been linked to several negative side effects including poor physical and mental health, disrupted sleep patterns, increased anxiety, and behavioral patterns similar to people

BHS students must do their part to combat climate change

Climate change is an urgent issue, and Berkeley High School students must do their part. During the school day, it can be hard to think about the environment, but as young people, our generation will have to deal with the consequences of global warming later in life.