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Everything you need to know about the misappropriation of funds and ASCMC’s response. Pickford Auditorium in the Bauer Center (Credit: Perera Construction) On Saturday, April 19, the President of the Associated Students of Claremont McKenna College (ASCMC) released an email informing the student body of “fraudulent conduct” committed by the ASCMC Executive Vice President (EVP). The email states that the EVP misappropriated funds allocated for DJ services to instead reimburse alcohol purchases for a class event. In the week before the email, CMC’s Dean of Students office (DOS) contacted ASCMC regarding “questionable activities” conducted at class events hosted by the EVP, who had previously served as Sophomore Class President. The events in question were a pregame for Pirate Palooza in May of 2024 and Four Corners in March of 2025. DOS discovered the fraudulent activity when the supposed DJ was caught in a lie with a DOS official, according to an individual close to ASCMC leadership. In addition to notifying ASCMC, DOS began their own conduct process to determine repercussions for the EVP’s actions. After learning of the fraud, ASCMC formed an investigatory committee, consisting of the President, Chief Ethics and Procedural Officer (CEPO), and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The committee reviewed financial records and conducted interviews. They found that the EVP’s conduct during the first event was entirely above board, but her activity during the second event constituted financial fraud. During both events, the EVP paid a student $120 for DJ services. During both, the DJ bought alcohol for the class and used the money as reimbursement. The difference was that the student, who made a Spotify playlist for the Pirate Palooza pregame and thus fulfilled the role of DJ, did not attend Four Corners. In the wake of this discovery, the investigatory committee strongly encouraged the EVP to resign from office. The EVP declined. On Friday, April 18, the ASCMC Executive Board convened – deviating from their standard Sunday evening meeting time – to discuss their response to the uncovered fraud.  After asking the EVP to excuse herself from the room, the investigatory committee presented a draft statement to be sent out to the college. Aside from the EVP and all three members of the investigatory committee, only one member of the Executive Board had previously held an office within ASCMC. According to an individual close to ASCMC leadership, the committee asserted in the meeting that the EVP shared the sentiment of the statement, although the EVP had not seen the draft. After several rounds of editing from members of the Executive Board, the Board voted unanimously in support of releasing the statement. They also voted unanimously in support of a censure against the EVP: according to the email, “A censure represents strong disapproval of the EVP’s actions. The stipulations of this censure include a severe stipend deduction, loss of voting rights and removal of oversight over EVP discretionary funding.”  In the statement, the investigatory committee also recommended that the EVP “be removed from office by a senate vote.” They continued: “Two consecutive ¾ majority votes are required to remove an Executive Board Officer” and referred students to Article III of ASCMC’s Procedural Bylaws . The first senate vote occurred on Monday, April 21, and a second ad hoc senate was scheduled for Tuesday, April 22. During the ASCMC Senate meeting on April 21, the EVP openly admitted to committing fraud, but emphasized her commitment to both ASCMC and the broader student body. She further alleged that members of both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 ASCMC Executive Boards were aware of the misallocation of funds. Members of both Boards adamantly denied this. Multiple sources close to ASCMC have confirmed that members of the 2024-25 Board knew that the DJ would use the funds to reimburse alcohol. It is unclear whether Board members knew that the DJ was not present at Four Corners, and ASCMC reaffirmed in a statement to The Forum  that “No members of the ASCMC Executive Board were aware that funds were being used for services not rendered.”  Throughout the discussion, former and current members of the ASCMC Executive Board stressed that the infraction was not  that the DJ was paid to purchase alcohol for the event, but rather that the student did not fulfill the role of a DJ, and thus a student was paid for services not rendered. In their statement to The Forum , ASCMC established that “ASCMC has no control over what service providers do with the money they are paid. The central issue is that the EVP knowingly submitted a fraudulent invoice for services not performed.” ASCMC is no stranger to financial fraud. In 2018, the ASCMC President and CFO resigned  after claiming $2,000 of fraudulent reimbursements. Unlike the current case, the President in 2018 pocketed the money. Fraud also occurred two years ago, according to a source close to ASCMC. An Event Commissioner working under the 2023-24 Executive Board logged hours for working a party, during which they did not work but instead attended the party and were intoxicated. When ASCMC discovered this instance of fraud, the student claimed they didn’t know they were violating rules, and they faced no formal disciplinary action. In their statement to The Forum, ASCMC noted that “A few years ago, a censure was proposed when an officer was not executing many of their constitutional duties. It did not pass. Removal votes are historically rare.” During the senate meeting, members of the investigatory committee raised concerns regarding ASCMC’s student fees. These fees, which are currently  $350 added to each CMC student’s tuition as a “Student Activities Fee,” are allocated to ASCMC to fund CMC clubs, parties, 5C clubs with CMC participants, and other student activities. This finances the Sophomore Class President’s discretionary fund, which was used to pay the DJ. The ASCMC constitution stipulates that student fees cannot be used for alcohol. An anonymous source familiar with ASCMC processes stated that DOS, the Board of Trustees, administrators, and the college’s financial offices all trust ASCMC with the student fees. They added that this trust is “integral to [having] the freedom to host the parties we want, to have clubs do what they want to do.” They worried that fraud committed by an officer of ASCMC could break this trust. Throughout the senate meeting, many students expressed their faith in the EVP, expressing that she has always worked to serve the CMC student body, has acted with a high standard of ethics, and was a successful Sophomore Class President. Others questioned her ethics and ability to continue performing her role. The final vote tallied 18 in favor of removal, 14 opposed, and 1 abstention, falling short of the ¾ majority necessary for removal. 61 senators were eligible to vote, but the voting was closed after it became clear that the ¾ majority was not possible, according to ASCMC. At the Executive Board meeting on Sunday, April 27, the EVP reiterated her commitment to ASCMC and apologized for the contentious debate at senate. A further conversation occurred under closed minutes, lasting nearly half an hour.

5C international students share their perspectives on the recent ICE arrests. ICE agents perform an arrest (credit: Charles Reed) In recent months, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has revoked hundreds of student visas on college campuses across the country for alleged involvement with terrorist activities. Among the most notable cases are Mahmoud Khalil, a former graduate student at Columbia University, and Rumeysa Ozturk, a former PhD student at Tufts University. Their arrests, and others, have rattled the international student community, including at CMC and the other 5Cs.  Khalil’s green card was revoked after being accused of “[leading] activities aligned to Hamas,” said Homeland Security Spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin.  Ozturk’s arrest, viral on social media , came after she was detained by unmarked ICE officers. Some have speculated, without confirmed evidence, that her arrest was tied to an   article she wrote  in the Tufts Daily  Newspaper calling for Tufts to divest from organizations associated with what she called the “Palestinian genocide.” These arrests are part of a broader policy shift on immigration from the Trump Administration. In January, a White House Fact Sheet  declared that the federal government would revoke the visas of “Hamas sympathizers” and deport “pro-jihadist protests.” Senator Marco Rubio added in a briefing to reporters that “No one has a right to a student visa” or a “green card.” In the past week, the Trump administration has reinstated some of these visas. Before visas began to be reinstated, The Forum spoke to a number of international students across the Claremont Colleges, who shared their feelings about the ongoing visa revocations. At the Claremont Colleges, the impact of these developments on student morale is mixed. Some students have expressed a growing sense of vulnerability while others say they are not worried at all. At CMC, Executive Vice President and COO Sharon Basso sent out an email in March announcing a new policy requiring the school to “Identify Undocumented Individuals on Campus.” Follow-up emails as recently as this week have outlined support resources, including access to legal consultation and informational sessions on visa compliance and tax filings. “For the most part, I don’t think about it,” one international student said. “I haven’t gone to any protests, I went to the consulate to get my visa lawfully, I pay my full tuition. I feel like that gives me a safety blanket.” “I think about it every day,” said another. “I feel like one slip-up and I’m out.” Several students noted that self-censorship is already a reality among international peers, regardless of political climate. “Safeguarding myself is something I’ve thought about since coming here,” one student shared. Speaking about censorship before the policy changes, they added, “One of the first things we talk about in orientation is not getting arrested because you could get deported.”​​  A common theme among interviewees was unease around political expression. Some students said they avoided protests entirely. Others felt pressure to participate online even if they remained physically distant. “I wasn’t gonna protest in the first place because I could get arrested,” one student explained. “But I posted about [the Israel-Palestine conflict] because of the social pressure from my peers at school to do it. I don’t know if I even believed in it at the time, but I regret it now.” Students also highlighted that fears are not evenly distributed across identity groups. Those who felt as though they did not appear international immediately, either because of their skin color or their American-esque accent reported to feel much safer than others.  Likewise, many students expressed lingering distrust with the colleges, citing the arrests of 20 Pomona students  in April 2024. Now, however, many students understood that their colleges were legally bound to comply with the Trump Administration’s disclosure requirements. Some students expressed a desire for the school to take action to protect international students but were unclear what such action would look like. CMC Government Professor George Thomas emphasized that while noncitizens may have more limited legal protections than citizens, they are still entitled to some  constitutional safeguards. “All persons are entitled to due process, citizens or noncitizens,” he explained.  From a constitutional standpoint, he added, “There is a debate about whether visa holders have fewer free speech rights than citizens. But generally, once people are in the country, we don’t attach conditions that limit the speech they can engage in.” If some of these legal residents prove to be engaged in terrorism, that would be grounds for deportation assuming it violated the conditions of their Visa or Green Card, he noted. But “the government needs to make their case. Bring them to court. Charge them with something.” For many students, their questions are as much logistical as philosophical. Some wonder whether the move is connected to the elimination of DEI programs across the country. Others are wondering how “bad” of a crime they have to commit to get deported.  “Ultimately I think this is going to be to the detriment of the country as a whole, and may even strengthen America's international rivals who could use this as an opportunity to attract top international student prospects who may be fearful of their safety in the U.S.,” said international student Umer Lakhani, a CMC student from the class of 2025. Out of dozens of international students contacted for this story, most declined to speak and only one student agreed to have their name appear. As one student put it: “The stakes are so much higher for us.”

Barack Obama left office with the world praising his wisdom and diplomacy, but Syria is the graveyard that praise ignores.  A message painted on rubble in northwest Syria after devastating bombings: “We have died. Thank you for letting us down.” (credit: Rime Allaf via X in 2023) In December 2024, after thirteen years of slaughter, Bashar al-Assad’s regime finally collapsed. Rebel forces stormed Damascus, and Assad, facing certain defeat, fled into exile in Russia. The Assad family’s brutal reign over Syria, which began in 1971, crumbled not with a dramatic overthrow, but with a quiet, shameful escape. But for hundreds of thousands of dead Syrians, millions of refugees, and an entire generation whose futures were stolen, Assad’s fall came far too late. And much of that delay can be traced directly to President Barack Obama, whose catastrophic failure to act in Syria prolonged the war, empowered America’s enemies, and permanently stained American credibility. In 2012, Obama famously warned that the use of chemical weapons by Assad would cross a “red line.” But when Assad gassed his own people in 2013, killing over 1,400 civilians with sarin, Obama hesitated. Rather than enforcing his own ultimatum, he allowed Russia to broker a deal promising the removal of Assad’s chemical weapons, a promise Assad repeatedly broke. The message was clear: American warnings could be ignored without consequence. Obama’s defenders argued that America had no obligation to get involved in another Middle Eastern conflict. They pointed to Iraq and Afghanistan as cautionary examples of overreach. But this is a false equivalence. Limited, strategic action — degrading Assad’s air capabilities after chemical attacks, enforcing humanitarian no-fly zones, meaningfully supporting moderate opposition forces early — could have changed the course of the war without dragging the United States into occupation. Instead, Obama chose paralysis. He outsourced Syria to Russia and Iran and hid behind slogans about “strategic restraint” while a nation bled. The price of that inaction was staggering. Assad, propped up by foreign powers, unleashed unimaginable cruelty. Barrel bombs flattened cities. Hospitals and aid convoys were systematically targeted. Civilians were besieged and starved into submission. Chemical weapons were used repeatedly, emboldened by the world’s refusal to act. The Syrian war produced more than 500,000 deaths, displaced 13 million people, and created a refugee crisis that upended European politics and fueled the rise of nationalist extremism across the West. ISIS rose in the chaos, carving out a caliphate that terrorized millions and launched attacks across the globe. Russia reasserted itself militarily, securing a foothold in the Middle East by backing a dictator who America once demanded to step down. Iran expanded its influence through proxy militias. American adversaries, from Moscow to Tehran to Beijing, learned a devastating lesson: U.S. promises could be broken, red lines could be crossed, and atrocities could be met with speeches instead of action. The Assad regime’s collapse in 2024 is not a triumph of international justice. It is a bitter, belated reminder of how much suffering could have been prevented. It proves that evil can endure when good men and good nations look away. Assad fled not because of American action, but because Syrians refused to give up, even when the world abandoned them. Their endurance brought an end to his rule, but at an unbearable cost. Leadership is not simply about making speeches. It is about making decisions when they matter most. Obama’s rhetoric about hope and human rights collapsed the moment he faced hard choices. His administration preserved political capital at the expense of human life and global stability. While Americans cheered the myth of moral leadership, Syrians buried their children. Now, as Syria stumbles into an uncertain future, the West must confront the consequences of its abdication. American power rests not just on military strength, but on credibility. If the United States cannot defend its own injunctions, it invites chaos. If it cannot stand against mass slaughter, it abdicates its moral leadership. The Syrian people endured what America would not, and in the end, it was their sacrifice, not our promises, that toppled Assad. The victory belongs to them. The shame belongs to us. History will remember Syria’s endurance, but it should also remember the American president who watched and did nothing.

And maybe all of us too, while we’re at it. (Credit: Jasper Langley-Hawthorne) Last year, Australia passed legislation instituting a nation-wide ban on social media access for those under 16 years of age. Three quarters of the public  support the ban, especially parents.  Last month, Anya Raghuvanshi wrote an article  in The Forum  critiquing Australia's youth social media ban. Despite some flaws, the ban represents an important first step to protect children from serious harm, improve teen mental health, and facilitate societal reentry into the real world. The platforms most in need of regulation are Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X. All of these mediums facilitate what Jonathan Haidt calls  “asynchronous one-to-many performance,” where users “perform” by posting photos, videos, or text to be viewed by a general audience when convenient. Raghuvanshi troublingly argues that social media is the place “where [teens] connect with friends, find support, and explore the world.” What world are we describing? A world of the near-endless scroll of insipidly perfect posts? Before social media, personal and social exploration was done in the actual world . Digital exploration is no analog. Yes, social media allows for connection, support, and exploration. But, these forms of experience are cheap and second-rate to that which you’ll find in reality. Social media also categorically harms mental health. At least 55 studies show a correlation  between social media use and mental health problems. These mental health effects can have serious consequences. Senator Lindsey Graham, addressing social media executives in a hearing last year, spoke passionately: “ you have blood on your hands .” The introduction of the smartphone to US teens has been linked to a 50% spike in teenage suicides . Kids die, too, in terrifyingly inane ways, like the so-called TikTok ‘black-out challenge.’ Users were encouraged to choke themselves with household objects  to film their ‘adrenaline rush’ upon regaining consciousness— at least 15 children aged 12 or younger died . I ask again: Is this seriously  the place where we want kids to “find support” and “explore the world”? The strongest argument against the ban concerns freedom of speech. Free speech is essential to any free society because it allows us to organize with others and petition the government. But social media isn’t a particularly effective conduit for political organizing and expression. Social media may increase the size of protests, but data shows that it does not make them more successful .   In high profile and oft-cited cases like the Arab Spring, the impact of social media was, in truth, mixed at best .  Moreover, a  majority of Americans believe  social media actually distracts  us from truly important issues (so-called ‘slacktivism’.) On top of that, any positive political change from social media is counterbalanced by the contagion of disinformation, hate speech, and trolling also found on those platforms. The landscape for promoting personal expression is equally as grim, given the countervailing presence of bots, political extremists, and now AI-generated content.  Promoting “media literacy” and “self-control” are bandaids on a broken system. Investing in “mental health resources that address the challenges kids face online” treats the symptom, not the cause. And yes, perhaps a ban treats young adults as if they “can’t be trusted.” So do the laws which control when teens can drive, vote, and drink. In the case of driving and drinking ages, the government recognizes a clear and present danger for still-developing youth. Why should social media be any different? Though enforcing an age-restriction can be quite challenging, it’s not hopeless. Obviously, setting the U.S. drinking age at 21 doesn’t prevent all teenagers from drinking, but it does limit the ease of teen’s access to alcohol. The drinking age simply attempts to lower the number of them doing so, and doing so to excess. The same   can be true   for technology. When Louisiana introduced age verification laws for pornographic websites , Pornhub site traffic dropped by 51 percent. Requiring some verifiable evidence of a real photo ID for social media sites would work , so long as it is introduced for all pertinent platforms and is strongly enforced.  Finally, there is the concern that banning social media for teens will ill-equip them for the world at large: “ It’s how we communicate, network, and even work. ” I would posit that teens are probably remarkably capable of learning these technologies after the age of 16 (or whatever age a restriction sets.) The boons to their development, sense of self, and overall happiness would also likely lead them to use social media in healthier and more productive ways. Beyond that, we must ask ourselves an even more important question: what if social media wasn’t the way we communicated, networked, or worked? What if social media sites (specifically those platforms which stress one-to-many performance) were banned for everyone ?  64% of Americans  say social media currently has a negative effect on society. The philosophy behind a ban on social media, either age-restricted or for everyone, does not concern the world in which teens are at present growing up in. Instead, it concerns what kind of world we want  our teens to grow up in, and what kind of world we ourselves would like to live in. Wouldn’t we rather live in the real  world?

The American covenant is sealed with the blood of many nations. World leaders convene for the NATO Washington summit in 2024. (Credit: The White House) Elon Musk has tweeted  his agreement to a proposal that the United States exit the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) just shy of the alliance’s 80th anniversary. To do so would not be the conservative path forward. An American exit from NATO would represent not merely a betrayal of ideas that have guided our foreign policy since World War II, it would be an insult to the legacy NATO left us. NATO was founded as a military and political alliance of capitalist democracies to counter the spread of communist totalitarianism. Most importantly, Article V of the treaty requires all members to come to the defense of any in the case of attack. However, despite collaboration in technological innovation and strategic drills, NATO was never activated during the Cold War. In 2025, NATO faces its first major opposition since isolationists rallied against it decades ago. Thus, there is no better time to remember the singular moment where Article V was invoked.  3,000 Americans were burned to death in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. America had been attacked. Families wept, war rose on the Afghan horizon, and the nations of NATO fought for the stars and stripes. 2,461 Americans died over two decades of War in Afghanistan, but they did not  die alone. All told, 1,160 non-Americans contributed their lives to the defense of our republic. 457 British men died for the wayward colony that had saved them from the demons of continental fascism. 159 Canadians died for a national older sibling, not to be the 51st state . 90 Frenchmen, 62 Germans, and 53 Italians breathed their last in defense of the flag that liberated their nations. 144 families from nations once under Soviet subjugation mourned for sons that died fighting for their shining city on the hill. In The Great Gatsby , the titular character wistfully boasts that he won a medal from every allied power, “even little Montenegro, down by the Adriatic Sea.” With a population the size of Wichita, Kansas, even little Montenegro sent troops to support the United States in our occupation of Afghanistan. The nations of NATO have demonstrated their commitment to the alliance and the United States. Yet, NATO has become controversial because of its support  for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian invasion. Surely, as of 2025, Ukraine’s cause seems dire. Despite sending billions to Ukraine, the Biden Administration largely tied the hands of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Asking Ukraine to strike a peace deal with Russia is reasonable, but refusing to recognize Russia as the aggressor is not. Moreover, legitimating Russia’s annexation of southeastern Ukraine would not only be detrimental to America’s grand strategy but also contrary to her history and ideals. As this young republic fought its Revolutionary War, nations came to its aid. Facing insurmountable odds against a global power, aid from that empire’s rivals saved our nation. The situation is eerily familiar to any Ukrainian in 2025. Among the early great heroes of America was the Marquis de Lafayette, a young Frenchman whose daring and guile turned back Redcoat advances. In the form of billions in military, humanitarian, and economic aid, we Americans sent Ukraine her Lafayettes. Why would we now tell liberty to surrender before tyranny? The voice of America cannot in good faith tell Ukraine that perhaps Winston Churchill was wrong in his noble dictum that righteousness  “shall never surrender” in the face of evil. It is as if Lafayette had shaken General Washington’s hand in 1777 and told him to bow down before King George III.  We Americans have long celebrated those who fight the good fight. Take Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe’s retort of “nuts!” when asked to surrender by the Nazi force that surrounded him or Admiral David Farragut’s immortal demand to “damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” In Ukraine’s battle for survival, it is not difficult to see an American spirit. Ukrainians now feel the rage Americans would have felt had France turned their backs on liberty in 1777. Our allies in NATO are justified in worry. Instead, America should love our European neighbors as we have loved ourselves. We have proven these fights can be won. Our flag’s crimson stripes are not painted only with American blood.

How Trump’s IRS cuts disguise systemic injustice and leave the wealthy even less accountable. IRS headquarters, Feb. 13, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (credit: Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images) As the United States witnesses an unprecedented dismantling of several federal agencies, one can only wonder what’s next, especially for groups who have long been the victims of racially biased institutions. In the last few months, Trump has established the Department of Government Efficiency, tasked with making the government more “productive” and cutting wasteful spending. Recently, DOGE has arrived at the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service. In the midst of tax season, Trump ordered that 6,700 IRS employees be laid off, including 5,000 audit and compliance staff. Black families might face fewer audits this tax year, despite typically being 2.9 to 4.7 times more likely to be audited —and even more so among those who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit. But let’s be clear: this isn’t justice from a system that has long been skewed toward wealthy white families. It’s nothing more than a political play that temporarily halts a racist practice. While it may seem like a win for minority communities, it may only continue to grow class disparities. The tax system has long been racially biased. Black families have consistently shouldered more audits, penalties, and financial hardships under the tax system compared to non-Black families. Racial disparities persist in benefits intended for the poor, like the EITC, particularly during the audit process. According to a report  by Stanford’s Institute for Economic Policy Research, Black EITC claimants face far higher audit rates compared to non-Black filers. The same report found that 78% of the racial audit disparities are due to how the IRS selects EITC returns for review. Beyond race, even from a purely financial standpoint, auditing poor people makes no sense. According to a report  analyzing the estimated returns of IRS audits of taxpayers across the income distribution, auditing the bottom 50% of earners yields less than $1 for every $1 spent, while auditing the top 1% would yield $6 to $12 per $1 spent. So why does the IRS still prioritize auditing the poor? Auditing poor taxpayers is not the most fair or profitable strategy, but it’s easier and less resource-intensive than auditing wealthier, more complex returns. Cutting the IRS doesn’t solve any problems stemming from decades of blaming poor or Black people for budget shortcomings and pushing the burden on them. That said, DOGE cuts may inadvertently reduce disproportionate audits this cycle. Many of the 6,700 fired IRS staff had compliance roles reviewing both low- and high-income returns. Less accountability leads to unintended consequences: the widening tax gap. The tax gap refers to the difference between the total taxes owed and the amount actually paid. According to Yale researchers , by 2026, there will be a tax gap of $769 billion, and if the IRS receives Trump’s additional IRS cuts of 20% (18,200 workers, according to CNN reports ), that tax gap will grow by $134 billion. The estimates by the Yale researchers put the top 1% of earners as responsible for about 28% of all unpaid taxes. The tax gap is the result of wealthy people who have failed to pay their full share of taxes, putting the burden on the rest of Americans.  So with an enforcement vacuum, the IRS can’t audit at scale. While that may include reducing audits that unfairly target poor Black families, it also means less scrutiny for those most skilled at avoiding accountability: the wealthy. The proposal isn’t reparative justice; it’s another glitch in a broken system. In fact, the enforcement cuts may encourage those most likely to skirt tax laws—corporations and the wealthy— to continue coming up with ways to avoid paying their fair share. In the words of Richard Prisinzano , director of policy analysis at Yale’s Budget Lab, “When you say to somebody, ‘Your probability of being audited went down by 50%,’ they might increase their risky behavior because they’re less likely to be caught.” Trump’s real goal isn’t to help low-income families and fix a racial auditing disparity; it’s a larger political move as he seeks to fulfill his broader campaign goal of abolishing the IRS and establishing the “External Revenue Service.” This isn’t a fix — it’s a complete abandonment of oversight, leaving the wealthy freer than ever to avoid accountability. While Trump has come up with yet another radical plan  of eliminating federal income taxes for those earning under $150k. This seems to benefit many poor Black families who will be relieved of another expense, similar to the issue of audits, but it’s actually harmful in the long term. These revenue shortages will likely be filled with consumption taxes, which are regressive and disproportionately burden the poor.  Trump’s IRS cuts and seemingly innocent tax agenda may seem to challenge a racist audit system, but not by intention. Because of a failure to acknowledge the racial dimension of these historically racist institutions, the system will continue to come back, and maybe worse. Algorithms will continue to target the poor, racial disparities will persist, and the only true winners are the rich. We can’t mistake sabotage for justice. If we want a tax system that’s fair — one that doesn’t prey on the poor or protect the rich — we can’t rely on broken systems to malfunction in our favor. Change cannot be incidental or accidental. We have to build a just system on purpose .

CMC’s neutrality on recent government interference in higher education is a far cry from the responsible leadership we preach. Protestors on Sproul Plaza, UC Berkeley, pictured on March 20, 2025. (credit: Diego Moran/UC Berkeley) On Tuesday, the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) issued  a statement titled “A Call for Constructive Engagement.” The statement condemned “unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education.” The statement also maintained the importance of higher education to act as “centers of open inquiry,” “productive partners with government in promoting the common good,” and “engines of opportunity and mobility.” Without mentioning Trump, the statement argues that the recent executive intrusions into higher education threaten to undermine these purposes. When the statement was released, it had just over 200 signatures from leaders of AAC&U’s member colleges and universities. As of 5:00 p.m. ET on April 25th, 2025, that number had increased to 498, and the statement continues to accept signatures. One AAC&U member is notably absent from the list: Claremont McKenna College. Pomona, Scripps, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer have also signed onto the statement. A quick glance at CMC’s FAQ's on Institutional Statements  reveals that CMC does not issue institutional statements due to a 2023 Board of Trustees decision to adopt the principles highlighted in the University of Chicago’s Kalven Report . Among these principles are the belief that universities must commit to individual freedom, open inquiry, and serve as a forum for diverse ideas. The Kalven Committee argued that universities that did not maintain neutrality endangered these principles. I largely agree with the Kalven Report and generally support CMC’s institutional neutrality. It protects the academic freedom of students and faculty and facilitates the open and constructive dialogue that CMC has made so central to its identity.  But, hiding behind the neutrality of the Kalven Report is hollow and flimsy. It does not justify CMC’s silence on President Trump’s undue and coercive interference with U.S. higher education. In fact, the Kalven Report itself states that colleges and universities have an obligation to stand against such threats. It reads: From time to time instances will arise in which the society, or segments of it, threaten the very mission of the university and its values of free inquiry. In such a crisis, it becomes the obligation of the university as an institution to oppose such measures and actively to defend its interests and its values. CMC’s own Statement in Support of Institutional Neutrality  reserves the right for the College to speak on issues that “have direct bearing on the College’s educational mission and function.” How can the Trump Administration’s recent actions be interpreted as anything else? Neither the CMC Office of Strategic Communications & Marketing nor the Office of the President have responded to requests for more information on CMC’s decision to not sign the letter. CMC cannot claim to value open inquiry, academic freedom, and responsible leadership if it stands silent while those principles are challenged. This article is not a call for partisanship or an end to institutional neutrality. It is a call for courage.  Standing with our fellow institutions of higher education is not a declaration of partisanship. It is a reaffirmation of our principles, values, and unyielding dedication to academic freedom. Staying silent while the Trump Administration lays siege to higher education will not protect us. Responsible leadership demands we speak.

In times of tough decisions, our 43rd President held the line. George W. Bush delivers his second inaugural address in 2005. (Credit: Paul Morse) Only three men have stood at the helm of our republic under attack. The first two, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt, join George Washington atop most rankings of American Presidents. The third, George W. Bush, often ranks near the bottom. Only 5%  of Bush’s own Republican Party view him as the greatest President of the past forty years, preferring Reagan. Right  and left  alike pillory Bush’s leadership. Far fewer books and articles discuss W. than his predecessors and successors alike. This is in large part because so few care to defend Bush—certainly not the man himself. Leaving office in 2009 with a record low 34% approval  rating, a far cry from 92% days after 9/11, Bush took a final act of grace unprecedented in the modern era and stepped almost completely away from politics after leaving office.  George W. Bush entered the Oval Office following the closest election in American history. Having lost the popular vote and secured the electoral college by a mere 537 votes in Florida after the intervention of the Supreme Court, Bush began the most domestically oriented presidency since the 1930s. The lion’s share of his inaugural  address was dedicated to the “compassionate conservative” platform he ran on, calling for work-based poverty assistance, aid to faith-based community initiatives, and standardized testing across American schooling. The murder of three thousand Americans in the worst attack on our nation since World War II lurched his presidency towards the War on Terror, eventually leading to dozens of international entanglements, most famously the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. The war in Afghanistan, directly targeting the perpetrators of 9/11, received near unanimous support. The more controversial invasion of Iraq collapsed the nation into civil war as American-led coalition forces failed to find the very weapons of mass destruction that formed the conflict’s casus belli . The Iraq War was undeniably mishandled. However, fears that an avowedly anti-American dictatorship may be building nuclear weapons were not  unfounded. Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein repeatedly refused to permit inspectors to enter his nation or completely deny such a program. Operating on the best information available, the United States and her allies erred on the side of caution and made the difficult decision to invade. Further, the Iraq of today is nonetheless more free  and more prosperous than Saddam Hussein’s bloodsoaked fiefdom. American forces did succeed, if momentarily, in defeating the Afghan Taliban and countering Al-Qaeda terrorism globally. War was not Bush’s only foreign policy tool, his use of targeted aid to counter  the AIDS epidemic in Africa, cut by President Obama, saved an estimated seventeen million lives . Meanwhile, Bush cut funding to support autocratic regimes to promote global democratization. Domestically, the Bush Administration expanded  healthcare access, established  the Amber Alert, set federal standards  for school performance, and moved money to support  charitable religious organizations previously held back by concerns over violation of the separation of church and state. Bush harangued  America’s “addiction to oil” and gave federal support to market based initiatives for greener alternatives such as nuclear and hydrogen power while maintaining American energy independence. Bush did this while launching the nation’s last major initiative  to cut spending on our largest entitlement program. Social Security reform was stifled, but his privatization plan, akin to those successfully implemented in nations such as Sweden, would have averted a projected insolvency by 2035 . Bush began to reign in the financial sector after the Clinton Era with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act  and attempted  to pass legislation overseeing federal loans corporations Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These efforts, which may have cushioned the 2008 recession, were stymied primarily by widespread opposition from Clintonian New Democrats. Leading the nation in a time when conservative media failed to guide the national narrative, Bush’s legacy has been defined by his critics. Future assessments must look past the propaganda and at the record to assess Bush’s decisions–and his enemies–from the perspective of the information available. When doing so, they will see a courageous president that held fast the ship of state for an unprecedented nation in unprecedented times.

Meet the next slate of CMC Resident Assistants! NORTH QUAD Name:  Hannah Maycock Dorm:  Appleby Hall (North Quad) Hometown:  Geddington, England Major:  Psychology + Gender and Sexuality Sequence Hey guys! I’m so thrilled to be the Appleby Hall RA for the year! I am a psychology major with a sequence in gender and sexuality studies! I am an international student from England so community is really important to me! I’m always around campus whether it be studying, chilling at the hub or hanging out and sunbathing with my friends! Around campus I am a member of the leadership board for the Sexuality and Gender Alliance at CMC and I play on the Women’s Rugby Team! I am so excited to meet so many new people during my time as an RA, and hopefully make some really fun Appleby traditions! Name:  Jim Sangsvang Dorm:  Boswell Hall (North Quad) Hometown:  Burleson, TX Major:  International Relations + Music What’s up y’all! My name is Jim and I’m so excited to be the RA of Boswell! On and around campus, I’m involved with SOURCE, the Claremont Concert Orchestra, and a variety of other pretty random things, and in my down time I like reading, playing games, and messing with people who’re trying to lock in. I love to talk about pretty much anything, but especially music so feel free to swing by my room or any other place I tend to be a lot (Roberts, the Hub, Marks Music Room) and we could talk song recs or really anything else that’s on your mind! I can’t wait to meet all of you I don’t know yet, and look forward to an awesome year! Name:  Thomas Walker Dorm:  Green Hall (North Quad) Hometown:  Los Altos, CA Major:  Economics-Accounting Hey everyone! My name is Thomas, I'm from Los Altos, CA, and I will be the RA of Green this year! I'm an economics-accounting major, but in my free time, I love spending time outdoors, reading books, and playing or watching various sports. I am also part of the CMS men's waterpolo team as well as our Student Government. I'm excited to be able to help spread that positive community at Green and throughout campus. I'm always down to chat and connect with new people, so please don't hesitate to reach out! I'm excited for a great year! Name:  Bella Estey Dorm:  Wohlford Hall (North Quad) Hometown:  Ellensburg, WA Major:  Environment, Economics, & Politics (EEP) Hi everyone!! My name is Bella Estey and I am SO excited to be the RA of Wohlf this year! Here's a little bit about me: I'm originally from Ellensburg, WA where I grew up dancing, playing tennis, spending time with my cat, and exploring the PNW; A few of my hobbies include reading, being outside, trying new coffee, and cheese tasting. One of my favorite things about CMC is the community, and I’m really looking forward to contributing to helping make Wohlf feel like home for everyone as an RA. My door is always open, whether to play Wii, chat, or debate the merits of Teen Beach Movie. Looking forward to a great year! MID QUAD Name:  Lucy Meza Dorm:  Beckett Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Houston, TX Major:  International Relations + Legal Studies Sequence Howdy y’all! My name is Lucy, I am from Houston, TX, and I am one of the Beckett RAs! I am an International Relations major and I recently studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. On campus, I have been a FYG, an RA for the Lowe Institute, and have taught boxing at Roberts Pavilion. In my free time, you’ll find me hanging out with friends, on a late night walk, or working on an arts and crafts project. I love hosting and meeting new people so feel free to stop by! I can’t wait to meet the new becketters and see some familiar faces. I am so excited to meet everyone and create wonderful memories! Name:  Tamoy Pitt Dorm:  Beckett Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Atlanta, Georgia Major:  Philosophy, Politics, & Economics (PPE) Hey everyone! My name is Tamoy Pitt, and I am excited to be one of the Beckett RA's this year. On campus, I am a team lead for SOURCE Nonprofit Consulting, a mentor for Smart Women Securities, and an active member of CMC's Black Student Association and Black Women's Collective. In my free time, I love practicing the guitar, watching anime, and playing video games (I am hyper competitive at mario kart) so if you are ever wanting to talk about or enjoy these activities together, let me know (I will talk your ear off)! I truly love giving back to the community that has shaped so much of my early young adult life and hope to be both a guide and a friend to incoming and returning students here on campus. Let's make this year a great one! Name:  Jordan Baffour Dorm:  Benson Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Arlington, VA Major:  Psychology Hi everyone! My name is Jordan Baffour, and I’m a proud Ghanaian from Arlington, Virginia. I’m currently a Psychology major planning to become a future dentist, and I’m so excited to be an RA for Benson! In my free time I love to dance, bake/cook, play tennis, and watch movies (I’m also a MAJOR Stranger Things fan); feel free to stop me in the hallway and tell me about a current film/show that had you in your feels. If I’m not in Janie’s kitchen, you’ll probably find me at the CARE center hosting some fun events or somewhere random at the 5C’s. I’m so excited to meet all of you and get ready for some fun community-building events! PS. Ask me about the Black Student Association or on-campus clubs. I stay informed about what events are going on and what lovely organization opportunities there are. Name:  Jaxson Sharpe Dorm:  Benson Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Denver, CO Major:  Philosophy, Politics, & Economics (PPE) Hey y'all! I'm Jaxson. I was born and raised in Colorado (a ridiculously underrated state), and I grew up hiking and camping in the Rocky Mountain backcountry. At CMC, I am majoring in PPE-Gov, and I have an intermittent sequence in imposter syndrome. Big picture, I'm interested in law. Right now, I am the Director of Culture for CMC's Mock Trial team. And when I am not pretending to be a lawyer or a witness, I love to spend time with my friends, build community, play games (when asked to play foosball, I will almost always say yes), go for walks, cook, and meet new people!! When—not if—we see each other on campus, please please please come say hi! To me, what makes CMC so special is not the Ath, institutes, or pre-professional resources—it's you! I am so incredibly excited be an RA at Benson—let's have a great year! Name:  Davis Eglin Dorm:  Berger Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Baton Rouge, LA Major:  International Relations + French What’s up everyone! My name is Davis Eglin and I’m hyped to be one of the Berger RAs. I’m from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and I’m dual majoring in International Relations and French with a Leadership Studies Sequence. On campus, I work as an institute assistant for KLI, instructor for CMC’s Prison Education Project (PEP), club tennis and intramural basketball player (building a superteam next year–let me know if you’re down), and last but not least, doing all things for the Office of Admission. Outside of that, I love watching LSU sports (Geaux Tigers always), eating Frary breakfast, obsessively following tennis, traveling to new places, listening to music, and soaking up the California sunshine. I look forward to helping build an amazing Berger community alongside Crystal and cannot wait to meet everyone! Name:  Crystal Ma Dorm:  Berger Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Pittsburgh, PA Major:  Economics-Accounting + Data Science Sequence with an MA in Finance Hi everyone! My name is Crystal Ma and I’m so hyped to be one of the RA's for Berger this year. On campus, I’m involved with SOURCE Nonprofit Consulting and Claremont Women in Business. I'm a big fan of intense Catan, funky music, cooking/eating phenomenal food, or getting some laps in at the pool (given good weather). CMC is such a tight-knit and special community, and I’m so excited to help continue building a strong, supportive, and fun space in Berger. My door is always open, so come by to chat, hang out, or just say hi — can’t wait for an amazing year with you all! Name:  Kate Schwab Dorm:  Crown Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Boulder, CO Major:  Philosophy, Politics, & Economics (PPE) + Economics Hello! My name is Kate Schwab, and I am SO stoked to be one of the RA's for Crown Hall this year! I am a senior from Boulder, CO (Sko Buffs!). If I am not in Crown, you'll see me at Ath tea with a chocolate strawberry, at the library, or collecting sloth and cat paraphernalia for my dorm! My favorite food is any preparation of a potato, and I am OBSESSED with Jelly Cats and Squishmallows. In my free time, I love listening to music, watching slime videos on Instagram, or taking ill-timed 0.5x photos of my best buds. I am so excited to forge an EPIC Crown culture this year, filled with lots of board game nights and boba! I can't wait to meet you all! Name:  Prateek Vyas Dorm:  Crown Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  San Diego, CA Major:  Economics + Mathematics Hey everyone! My name is Prateek and I am so excited to be one of your Crown Hall RAs! I am dual majoring in Economics and Mathematics with a Data Science sequence and am also involved with Graphite Group and the Claremont Accounting Association. I have worked in wealth management and consulting, but my favorite job might still be when I was a barista at the 7C Library, so if you want coffee recs or just someone to hang with, I got you. I also grew up in the Bay Area and have lived in San Diego for the past 10 years, so I’m basically California through and through and have plenty of So-Cal recs if you're looking for things to do near campus or if you're headed to San Diego for a weekend away from school. I’m excited to help make our dorm feel like home and am pumped to be working with Kate (my co-RA) to plan some awesome events. My door’s always open and I can't wait to meet everyone! Name:  Sophia Castellanos Dorm:  Marks Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Inglewood, CA Major:  International Relations Hi! I’m Sophia Castellanos and will be the MARKS RA this year! I am beyond excited to get to know my residents as well and the new faces joining the CMC community! Alongside being an RA, I am a CARE Fellow, Peer Health Ambassador, and an ROTC cadet. I love being active on campus and building relationships with my peers by learning about their culture, interests, and experiences! I am so excited to welcome you all into the 2025-2026 school year! P.S. I am a huge baking fan so if you ever miss a sweet treat from home I am always down to learn a new recipe! You are all going to do great and if you need anything I’m only a knock away! Name:  Ryu Nakase Dorm:  Marks Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Honolulu, HI Major:  Philosophy, Politics, & Economics (PPE) + Gender & Sexuality Studies (GSS) Sequence Hi everyone! My name is Ryu Nakase, and I am so excited to be one of the Marks RAs this year. A bit about me, I'm a FGLI student from Hawaii PPE + GSS. I love to cook in Janie's, go to the farmer's market, craft a bunch of random things, and yap, so I hope to catch y'all at my open door hours. Super excited to meet y'all and make Marks a fun and welcoming space! Name:  Celine Bernhardt-Lanier Dorm:  Phillips Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Barcelona, Spain Major:  Organizational Studies Hi everyone! I'm so excited to be your Phillips RA this year. I’m French-American and majoring in Organizational Studies. I love dancing bachata, listening to the handpan, solving crosswords, playing spikeball, and taking polar swims. But most of all, I love being around people and creating fun and meaningful spaces — whether that’s for music, deep convos, spontaneous dance parties, or games. My door is always open, and I’m always available to talk about anything. I’m so excited to plan fun events together to help our community thrive. I’m here to support you however I can, so please come say hi and hang out! Name:  Yui Kurosawa Dorm:  Valach Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Los Angeles, CA + Tokyo, Japan Major:  Philosophy, Politics, & Economics (PPE) + Legal Studies Sequence Hi everyone, I’m Yui! I'm a PPE & Legal Studies major. I’m originally from Japan but I went to high school in Hong Kong. I’ve lived in Mid Quad all four years at CMC and am SO excited to be your Valach RA. I love arts & crafts, reading, thrifting, and listening to good podcasts (I recommend Adam Grant and Sam Harris!) On campus, I’m involved in the Model UN team and I-Connect; I also TA for a Japanese language class. I love drinking TEA! I drink at least 4 cups of tea a day. I have a tea-bar cart in my room and would love to share a cup of tea with you if you want to talk about anything. I care a lot that you feel included in the CMC community and hope that Valach feels like home to you. So excited to get to know you all! SOUTH QUAD Name : Ethan Chen Dorm : Auen Hall (South Quad) Hometown : Irvine, CA Major : International Relations + Economics Yo everyone! My name is Ethan Chen, and I'm so excited to be the Auen RA. When I’m not grinding on schoolwork, I love to play pickleball, swim, and work out. I also enjoy playing intramural dodgeball, watching baseball (Go Dodgers!), playing video games (most are made by a small indie company called Riot), and eating most of my meals at Collins. On campus, I’m involved in APAM and the president of the Alexander Hamilton Society; I’ve worked for the Keck Center as well. Don’t hesitate to stop by and chat, share music recommendations, or take snacks from my way-too-big assortment. Can’t wait to build a great community in Auen this year. And try not to get me confused with the other Ethan Chen! Name : Pallavi Raju Dorm : Auen Hall (South Quad) Hometown : Niles, IL Major : Government Hi y'all – I'm Lavi and I'm so happy to be one of the RAs in the 2025-26 cohort! I'm a Government major from 20 minutes outside of Chicago, hoping to go to law school in a few years (please reach out if you need pre-law/government advice!). I was a FYG my sophomore year, which encouraged me to apply to be an RA, so I could continue building community and being a mentor on campus. In my free time, I like dancing and scrapbooking, and my favorite place to study on campus is Heggblade (shoutout amazing DOS staff!). I look forward to a great year with awesome activities! Name : James Frye Dorm : Fawcett Hall (South Quad) Hometown : Bend, OR Major : Economics + Financial Economics Sequence Hi! My name is James Frye, and I grew up in the Bay Area but moved to Bend, Oregon a couple of years ago. I’m an Economics and Finance major with a sequence in Data Science here at CMC. On campus, I’m a Romero Success Coach and a member of the CMS Men’s Basketball Team. Basketball is a passion of mine, and I love watching it both at the college level and in the NBA (especially when Kevin Durant is playing). I’m always up for a hoops conversation, so feel free to come talk to me anytime! Outside of basketball, I love hanging out with friends, playing video games and board games, and spending time outdoors. Having lived in Fawcett as a first-year, I’m excited to come full circle and give back as an RA. Looking forward to an awesome year! Name : Elizabeth Gutierrez Dorm : Fawcett Hall (South Quad) Hometown : Corrales, NM Major : Biology Hello everyone, I'm Elizabeth, and I'm excited to be one of the Fawcett RAs for this year! On campus, I'm also a Head Consultant at the CWPD, so you'll often find me studying/socializing in the writing center. For fun, I love trying new crafting skills -- sewing and crocheting are my current favorites. I have also retained my childhood love for books, so if you ever want to discuss your latest read or need a fun recommendation, let's connect! I'm excited to help cultivate a welcoming and engaging community within Fawcett and the CMC community at large. My door is always open for anyone who wants to chat or needs a study buddy. Name : Desiree Galamgam Dorm : Stark Hall (South Quad) Hometown : San Diego Major : Literature + Gender & Sexuality Studies (GSS) Sequence Hello mga kaibigan (friends)! :D I’m Desiree (she/her/hers), and I’m super excited to be your Co-RA for Stark this year :). I’m a First-Gen Low-Income (FGLI) Questbridge Scholar. I also studied abroad in South Korea. Fostering community motivates me as a Romero Success Coach, CPB’s Vice-President of Creative Programming, and as Club Soda’s Co-President! Feel free to ask me about these or any campus organizations, and we can explore them together. I love volleyball (intramural team?), K-Pop (any Carats?), Greco-Roman mythology, books, blind boxes, and creative mediums like crochet, stamp carving, and painting! Besides Stark, you’ll likely catch me in a Pomodoro session in a Roberts Classroom or chatting with everyone in DOS. Otherwise, my doors are always open for y’all to peruse my overflowing bookshelf, craft together, or just vibe! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ Name : Tendai Nyamuronda Dorm : Stark Hall (South Quad) Hometown : Harare, Zimbabwe Major : Economics + Data Science Sequence with an MA in Finance Hey everyone! I'm Tendai — I'm in the BAMA program and also pursuing a Sequence in Data Science. I’m originally from Harare, Zimbabwe. I’ve always been big on chess (played competitively back in high school), and when I’m not on the board, I’m probably out playing pick-up soccer with friends or going on random strolls around the 5Cs. One of my favorite things about CMC is the tight-knit, vibrant community, and as an RA, I’m excited to help keep that spirit of support and fun alive! APARTMENTS Name : Fallyn Buckner Dorm : Kendry Apartments Hometown : Chicago, IL Major : Data Science Hey y’all. My name is Fallyn! Super happy to be Kendry's RA. You can generally find me at Heggblade – either at the tables on the first floor or hanging out upstairs at CARE. Data Science is my major, but I really love cybersecurity. I try to embody hacker culture in everything that I do by finding really creative ways to accomplish different objectives and iterating until the objective is accomplished. I play guitar (but not well), skateboard, and I’m always listening to music or podcasts in my headphones. On campus, I am involved with the Black Women’s Collective, Scholar Community, and recently started the Claremont Cybersecurity Club. Feel free to reach out if you ever need anything. I’m excited to connect and cultivate a community on campus where everyone feels supported :) Name : Carol Hutchison Dorm : Kendry Apartments Hometown : Ahuimanu, Oahu, HI Major : Environmental Analysis (EA) Aloha! My name is Carol Hutchison, and I am super excited to be one of the RAs of AK. I am from Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, studying Environmental Analysis on the Science track with a sequence in Asian American Studies. In my free time, I love to go to the beach, thrift, birdwatch, and of course hang out with friends and meet new people! On campus, I am a part of Ballet Folklorico de Claremont, 5C Pasifika Student Association, the Athenaeum, and CMC EcoReps. One of the things I love most about CMC is the many wonderful opportunities and the sense of community. I'm always available to talk, and I look forward to meeting everyone! Name : Cahal Connolly Dorm : Senior Apartments 651 Hometown : Castro Valley, CA Major : Environment, Economics, & Politics (EEP) What’s up everyone! My name is Cahal Connolly, and I’m excited to be one of your Senior Apartments RAs this year! At CMC, I am a member of the CMS Stags Basketball team and work at the Roberts Environmental Center. In my free time, I love playing any kind of sport (especially cornhole, pickleball, and volleyball), dominating board games (Settlers of Catan), or doing anything involving the outdoors. I am a die-hard Warriors fan and am happy to watch or argue about anything NBA-related. Whether you’re looking to lose a game of cornhole or Catan, camp out at J-Tree or hike Baldy, or just need someone to talk to, I’m always happy to hang out. Looking forward to a great year with you all! Name : Lucy Jaffee Dorm : Senior Apartments 661 Hometown : San Diego, CA Major : Writing & Rhetoric Hi everyone! My name is Lucy Jaffee (she/her) and I’m so pumped to be one of the RAs at Senior Apartments. Some info about me: I’m from San Diego, CA, I’m majoring in Writing and Rhetoric, and I transferred to CMC second semester freshman year. On campus you’ll find me locking in at The Hub with a coffee (I can only focus amid chaos) or strutting around campus as if it's my personal runway. In my free time, I love to thrift, listen to music, read, and gab for hours with my friends. Let’s yap anytime, anywhere, about whatever you want. I’m beyond excited to help build a community at Apartments that is friendly, inclusive, supportive and fun, and have a great year together! Name : Sophie Podeszwa Dorm : Senior Apartments 671 Hometown : Dallas, TX Major : Economics Hi everyone! My name is Sophie, and I am from Dallas, TX. As a transfer student, I am so excited to get to know my grade (and everyone on campus) even better as one of the senior apartment RAs. I am excited to meet and talk with everyone more! If you are looking for someone to chat with about pop culture, F1, or the best cookies at the 5Cs, I have lots of input. I am looking forward to an amazing year on campus! Name : Rakhshaan Adamjee Dorm : Senior Apartments 681 Hometown : Chino Hills, CA Major : Economics-Accounting with an MA in Finance Hey everyone, my name is Rakhshaan Adamjee, and I am super excited to be one of the RAs for student apartments! I studied abroad in Milan during the spring semester of my junior year and had the time of my life traveling around Europe. On campus, I am part of the Claremont Consulting Group and Claremont Accounting Association. I’ve been doing Indian Bollywood Dancing since I was five and have been teaching young kids for over five years now. I love watching movies, hanging out with my friends, traveling, and trying out new foods. I am super excited for a fantastic senior year back at CMC!

Meet the next slate of CMC Resident Assistants! NORTH QUAD Name:  Chloe Vijandre Dorm:  Appleby Hall (North Quad) Hometown:  Manila, Philippines Major:  Economics + International Relations Hello everyone! My name is Chloe Vijandre and words cannot describe how excited I am to be the RA for Appleby! A little bit about me: I am an international student from the Philippines and was also raised in Vietnam. I am a senior dual majoring in Economics and International Relations. My favorite thing about CMC is the tight-knit community and all the wonderful people I’ve gotten to know throughout the years. From being a FYG, an I-Connect mentor, or simply loitering on Bos patio, I’ve been so lucky to connect with others and I cannot wait to continue fostering such a great community as one of the North RAs. I am always down to chat, jam, play basketball, etc. So come hang out! Name:  Izzy Yau-Weeks Dorm:  Boswell Hall (North Quad) Hometown:  Oakland, CA Major:  Environmental Analysis Hi everyone!! My name is Izzy Yau-Weeks and I’m so excited to be the Boswell RA. I’m a senior from Oakland, CA studying Environmental Analysis on the Race, Class, Gender track. I love CMC’s tight-knit and supportive community and I can’t wait to cultivate a great Bos dorm culture as well. On campus, I’m a Success Coach, member of my 5C a cappella group the After School Specials, and dedicated IM basketball player for THE Jordan Poole’s Baddies. Other than that, I love crafting, jamming out, being outside, and making friends so feel free to stop by my room anytime!!!  Name:  Vito Molina Dorm:  Green Hall (North Quad) Hometown:  Santa Rosa, CA Major:  Economics + International Relations Hello everyone! My name is Vito Molina and I am so excited to be the RA to Green. I lived in Green during my first two years of college and I am so happy to be back! I am an Economics and International Relations dual major from Santa Rosa, California. I love to mountain bike, hike, watch/play soccer, and boulder. On campus, I am involved in SOURCE Nonprofit Consulting (but honestly I still do not know what consulting is). My favorite aspect of CMC is the culture of our close-knit community. There is nothing more inspiring and motivating than being surrounded by such bright, lively, and supportive individuals. I can not wait to meet and connect with all of the Green residents. Looking forward to a great and memorable year together!  Name:  Lucy Thompson Dorm:  Wohlford Hall (North Quad) Hometown:  Bangkok, Thailand Major:  Literature + Media Studies Hello! My name is Lucy, I’m from Bangkok, I’m a Literature and Media Studies major, and I’m going to be the RA for Wolf! I am SO SO SO excited to be part of the RA Cohort, as there is nothing here at CMC I love more than building and participating with our community here. My favourite hobby is HANGING OUT, so please drop my open door hours, Wolf resident or not, and we can chat, read, eat snacks or do whatever together! When I’m not in Wolhford, you can find me creating content for CMC Admissions, singing with the After School Specials, or letting it linger in Collins or the Hub with a cup of tea or a coffee. I can’t wait to foster some awesome dorm community in Wohlford, so shout out Wolf residents, can’t wait to meet you all! <3 MID QUAD Name:  Kobey Jorgensen Dorm:  Beckett Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Hermiston, OR Major:  Biochemistry Howdy! I'm Kobey Jorgensen and I have the privilege of being one of the Beckett RA's! I'm from a few different small towns in Oregon, and I'm majoring in Biochemistry with a sequence in Leadership Studies. I play football for CMS on the D-line and love being active! I pretty much have all of the hobbies: art, reading, exercise, music, etc... I'm not particularly good at any of them though, so come get better with me! I personally have a "work hard, play hard" mentality, and plan on bringing that energy with me to Beckett! Also, I'm actually a transfer student from Silly Goose University, so I'm always down to clown around! I've loved my time at CMC and I hope that you do too! Name:  Nikki Tran Dorm:  Beckett Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  San Diego, CA Major:  Economics Hello everyone! My name is Nikki, I am from San Diego, and I am one of this year’s Beckett RAs! I am an Economics major and on campus, I am involved in APASA, CWIB, RLCIE, and work at the Soll Center and Office of Financial Aid. In my free time, you’ll find me running, at a cafe (anything with oat milk tastes good to me), or talking about a new movie with my friends. Super excited to meet everyone and keep the Beckett vibe alive through on and off campus activities! Name:  Luis Mendoza  Dorm:  Benson Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Warsaw, NC Major:  Philosophy, Politics, & Economics (PPE) + Chicane-Latinx Studies HELLO EVERYONE! My name is Luis Angel Mendoza (he/him), and I'm from Warsaw, North Carolina. I am a QuestBridge Scholar on the pre-law track, studying in the PPE (I can't do Economics for the life of me) program at CMC. I also study Chicane-Latinx Studies, which is a 5C major. You can find me studying (yapping) at the CARE Center, the Motley at Scripps, or the Chicane-Latinx Studies lounge at Pomona. On campus, I have been involved with CARE as a Fellow, Research Assistant for Gould and Keck, Tour Guide, Affinity Group Leader, and MUN (let me know if you have any questions). I also love playing volleyball (who's down to form an intramural volleyball team?), going to the village for some açaí at Ubatuba (better than Pepo Melo), and looking mysterious around campus while listening to music. I can't wait to meet all of the Benson Baddies <3 Name:  Eva Pruitt Dorm:  Benson Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Phoenix, AZ Major:  Philosophy, Politics, & Economics (PPE) + Philosophy  Hi everyone! My name is Eva (she/her), and I’m super excited to be one of Benson’s RAs. I am from Phoenix, Arizona, and I am a dual major in philosophy and PPE with a sequence in legal studies. On campus, I’m one of our Mock Trial team directors, involved with the admissions office, and have loved working with our Philosophy department in research. One of my favorite parts about being a CMC student is going to the Ath! And my other favorite part of CMC is our friendliness, so please say hi if you see me around campus and stop by Benson anytime! I love hiking, reading, making art, listening to music, and being outside. I am also a huge fan of tea, so I'm looking forward to some tea nights in my open door hours :) I am super excited to meet all the Benson residents next year and build an awesome dorm community!! Name:  Meg Birenbaum Dorm:  Berger Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Charlotte, NC Major:  Science Management Hey y'all! My name is Meg, and I am a Science Management major from Charlotte, NC. I am passionate about building community at CMC, and have strived to achieve this as the Vice President of campus organizations in ASCMC and a First Year Guide. I am also involved in Claremont Women in Business, and conduct research at Keck Science. I am a huge animal lover and grew up riding horses and teaching riding lessons. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering at Priceless Pets, going for walks, going to Roberts, or playing pickleball. I look forward to cultivating a fun and welcoming environment in Berger next year and getting to know my residents! Name:  Eddie Wei Dorm:  Berger Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Ames, IA Major:  Economics + International Relations What’s up! I’m Eddie and I am excited to be one of the RAs of Berger Hall. I was born and raised in Ames, Iowa, and study economics and international relations here at CMC. When I’m not working in Poppa, you’ll probably catch me on the pickleball courts, speedrunning every NYTimes game (connections is my favorite!), or leading a campus tour. I also enjoy playing (winning) intramural grass volleyball, watching any law TV show, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones. Don’t be afraid to say hi if you see me skateboarding around campus — I’m super excited to get to know anyone I don’t already know and help make everyone’s time here at CMC extra special! Name:  Colin Scanlon Dorm:  Crown Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Sag Harbor, NY Major:  Government + Film Studies Yo! My name is Colin and I am from Sag Harbor, Newww Yoooork. I am a Government and Film Studies dual major, as well as a hurdler for the Track and Field Team. When I’m not at Malott eating breakfast, I love to loiter, scream at the tv cause the Knicks are playing, get funky, discuss leadership battles in the House of Representatives, make obscure references, and to live, laugh, love. Come stop by my room (or else…) for a music recommendation, to overshare, or discuss changes you’d love to see in your community. Now let’s get out there and make a difference! Name:  Kaavya Narayan Dorm:  Crown Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Sunnyvale, CA Major:  Economics Hey everyone! My name is Kaavya Narayan, and I am so hyped to be one of the RA’s for Crown Hall this year. I am from Sunnyvale, California and studying Economics on the Pre-Med Track. If I’m not hanging out in Crown, you can find me losing my voice cheering on the Warriors, giving tours, doing research at KLI, watching the Bachelor, teaching dance at the local senior center, standing in the caprese sandwich line at Collins, or playing on the 5C Club Volleyball team. Can’t wait to hang out with you all soon and build an awesome Crown Hall family this school year!! P.S.--Anytime you see my co-RA Colin, feel free to tell him the Warriors are better than the Knicks :) Name:  Mateo Colbert Dorm:  Marks Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Santa Monica, CA Major:  International Relations What's up! My name is Mateo and I'm from Santa Monica, CA. I'm super stoked to be the RA of Marks! I'm majoring in International Relations (and I studied abroad in Copenhagen). Some people peak in high school, others in college, I'm pretty sure I peaked in pre-school -- I miss nap time and juice boxes. On another note… I like watching TV shows, reading fantasy novels, and frolicking outside. Feel free to hit me up at any time and with any questions. I can’t wait to get to know y’all and plan some awesome events. For those returning to CMC: welcome back, and to y’all arriving for the first time, I’m excited to meet you! Name:  Andrea Posada Dorm:  Marks Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Dallas, TX Major:  Government + Economics Hi! My name is Andrea Posada (she/they) and I’m from Dallas, Texas! At CMC, I’m dual-majoring in Government and Economics (heavy on the Gov) and currently I’m a CARE Fellow, a Student Manager at the Gould Center, and a student assistant at the Faculty Support Office in Kravis. I am beyond excited to be one of the RAs for Marks, and I look forward to creating a safe and fun community for everyone! I love crafting – which includes making collages, painting, making bracelets and embroidery. My favorite snack ever is açaí, specifically from Ubatuba in the village. On campus you can always find me at the CARE Center, the Gould Center, or in my room playing Animal Crossing. Feel free to drop by and chat about whatever, whenever :) I can’t wait to meet y’all!!  Name:  Ilma Turcios Dorm:  Phillips Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Miami, FL Major:  Economics + Government Hi! My name is Ilma and I am SO excited to be Phillips’ RA. I’m Honduran but grew up in Miami, FL, and am an Economics and Government dual major. On campus, I’m a CARE Fellow and have also worked with the Keck and Salvatori Centers as a Research Assistant and at the Mgrublian Center as a Student Assistant. I’m a huge fan of cats, coffee, art, squishmallows, and music. In my free time, I love writing, reading, listening to music, and hanging out with friends–––which I hope to do with my residents. Around campus, you can find me at the CARE center or using up all my Flex at the Motley. I can't wait to meet and get to know all you beautiful people!!! Name:  Daphne Achilles Dorm:  Valach Hall (Mid Quad) Hometown:  Boise, ID Major:  Government + Chemistry Hey y’all! I’m Daphne, I’m a Government and Chemistry major on the Pre-Med track, and I currently call Boise (Boy-see iykyk), Idaho home. I’m so excited to be the Valach RA next year! I can’t wait to host movie and baking nights (Valach has the one kitchen on campus). I am an amateur baker, but would love to hone my skills this upcoming year (If anyone has a tried-and-true gluten-free sourdough recipe, I’m all ears). On campus, I am a peer health ambassador, co-president of CCEMS (I’m an EMT), and I do research in Keck about parasitic infections in local species. Outside of school and extracurriculars, I love spending my free time outside whether it’s hiking, skiing, or rock-climbing! Come stop by and say hi! SOUTH QUAD Name:  Perce Alvarez Dorm:  Auen Hall (South Quad) Hometown:  Riverside, CA Major:  Media Studies Hey Everybody! My name is Perce (they/he) and I'm excited to be one of the Auen RA's! I'm a Media Studies major with a passion for film and animation. On campus, I've worked with the Hive, QRC, and Gould Center on a variety of design projects for queer expression and affinity-focused work. If you've ever seen someone running around the 5C's like a headless chicken with a bell-boy job that was probably me trying to get to class on time. I've been told I'm a bit too passionate about Just Dance but if you're ever looking for a fun challenge feel free to pull up with Rasputin and a Wii controller. All that aside, I am really excited to form new connections with my residents and the CMC community. Name:  Eduardo Mellado Jacinto Dorm:  Auen Hall (South Quad) Hometown:  Los Angeles, CA Major:  Economics + Data Science Hi everyone! My name is Eduardo and I’m from Los Angeles, CA. I’m a senior dual majoring in Economics and Data Science (fun combo but at times too many numbers). On campus I’m involved in SOURCE Nonprofit Consulting (best org on campus!) and you’ll catch me attending 5C Latinx in Tech events. When I’m not busy I like to watch sports (tbh any sport), play video games, try new places at the village, or go out for a coffee. I’m excited to be one of the RA’s for Auen and am looking forward to getting to know all of you. Feel free to reach out if you need anything and say hi if you see me around! Name:  France Ferreira Dorm:  Fawcett Hall (South Quad) Hometown:  Bronx, NY Major:  History Hi everyone! My name is France Ferreira (she/her/ella) and I am from the Bronx, NY majoring in History. I spend most of my time on campus at the Chicano Latinx Student Association building, or in my room! I love anime, baseball and coffee, so if anyone ever comes over, I will offer a cup of coffee while watching a baseball game or an anime. I just spent my junior year studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea, so if anyone would love to chat about studying abroad, please feel free to contact me or find me in my room! I can't wait to get to meet you all and hopefully, we can have a great year! Name:  Stuart McCallum Dorm:  Fawcett Hall (South Quad) Hometown:  Lexington, MA Major:  Economics-Accounting with an MA in Finance Hello! My name is Stuart McCallum. I grew up in Massachusetts, but I’ve really enjoyed the weather in Southern California. I’m studying Econ-Accounting and Finance here at CMC. On campus, I’m part of the CMS Stags Basketball team and the Romero Success Coaches. Outside of my on campus-commitments, I am a board game enthusiast who loves playing Settlers of Catan and a food lover who enjoys both cooking and eating. I love watching all levels of Basketball, especially #d3hoops and the NBA (I am still very much pro-Celtics and anti-Lakers). I’m really excited to live in South Quad for the first time this year in the luxurious Fawcett Hall penthouse. I look forward to meeting and getting to know each of the Fawcett residents! Name:  Brenna Bell Dorm:  Stark Hall (South Quad) Hometown:  Murrieta, CA Major:  Environment, Economics, & Politics (EEP) Hi! I’m Brenna Bell. I’m a volleyball player, research assistant, Coastal Caretaker club president, CMS recreational worker, and now RA! If you want help getting involved on campus, I’m your gal. I’m majoring in Environment, Economics, and Politics, with a minor in Data Science. I love meeting people and helping out! You’ll probably be seeing a lot of boba, crafts, holiday events, and gaming tournaments in stark soon. I love to get outside and play sports of all kinds. If you’re ever feeling brave, challenge me to a ping pong match in Stark! I have two lovely cats at home named Gandalf and Strider. But I love all animals! Especially those underwater. Name:  Kenshin Ueoka Dorm:  Stark Hall (South Quad) Hometown:  Bangkok, Thailand + Kyoto, Japan Major:  Environment, Economics, & Politics (EEP) + Data Science Sequence Hi, I’m Kenshin Ueoka, an Environment, Economics, and Politics Major with a Data Science Sequence. I was born in Japan and grew up in Thailand — CMC is my third home. I’m a Graphite Group Consultant and Romero Success Coach on campus, so feel free to talk to me about anything academic, pre-professional, or personal! Around campus, you might hear me making noise on the Stark lounge piano or on Taiko drums with the 5C Shogo Taiko Club. Aside from that, I love racket sports, golf, boba, photography, and all things anime! I’ve lived in Stark since my sophomore year and loved every minute of it. Let’s go for a game of table tennis, pool, or badminton!  APARTMENTS Name:  Adamaris Sanchez Dorm:  Alexan Kendry Apartments Hometown:  Los Angeles, CA Major:  Economics-Accounting  Hello! Hola! My name is Adamaris Sanchez, an Econ-Accounting major originally from Los Angeles, CA. I am thrilled to be one of the Alexan Kendry RAs this year and look forward to fostering a supportive and inclusive community on and off campus. On campus I am President of the Ballet Folklorico Club de Claremont, a 5C cultural dance performance group! Besides dancing and performing, I enjoy exploring new places with my daughter Everly, studying at my favorite coffee shop Tierra Mia (highly recommend, especially their muffins), and volunteering at early education centers or organizations that serve low-income or first-generation students. I can’t wait to meet everyone and foster meaningful connections with my residents and fellow RAs! Name:  Nelly Haley Dorm:  Alexan Kendry Apartments Hometown:  Chicago Major:  Government + Psychology Hey y’all, I'm so honored to be one of your RAs at CMC! I love community building and interacting with new people. I'm a huge fan of movies/tv shows, books, and music. My idea of a good time is lots of laughs and just making new memories. I love to chat so be prepared for me to talk your ear off. I'm so excited to plan fun dorm events for you guys! Please know I'm here for you all and I hope I can help make campus feel a little more like home. Name:  Matt Meredith Dorm:  Student Apartments Hometown:  Orinda, CA Major:  Economics-Accounting Hey everyone! My name is Matt, I'm from Orinda, CA, and I will be one of the RAs at the Student Apartments this year! I'm an economics-accounting major, also pursuing a sequence in data science. In my free time, I love spending time outdoors, reading books, and playing or watching a variety of sports. I am also part of the CMS men's basketball team. My favorite part of CMC has been all of the amazing people I have been able to meet and spend time with. I'm excited to be able to help spread that positive community at the Student Apartments and throughout campus. I'm always down to chat and connect with new people, so please don't hesitate to reach out! I'm excited for a great year! Name:  Gio Pierre Dorm:  Student Apartments  Hometown:  Woburn, MA Major:  Philosophy, Politics, & Economics (PPE) Hi! My name is Gio Pierre, and I am a philosophy, politics, and economics major from Woburn, MA. I am beyond excited to be an RA at the student apartments this year. My favorite part of my time at CMC by far has been the community. I cannot wait to build a tight-knit community at the apartments and continue to contribute to the wider CMC community. You can catch me playing my guitar or watching the Celtics in my room. I'm looking forward to what the year has in store! Name:  Claire Vlases Dorm:  Student Apartments Hometown:  Bozeman, MT Major:  Computer Science + Ethics Hi! I'm so excited to be your RA this year. My door is always open. I love going to the botanical gardens, being outside in the sunshine, and eating cookies. Catch me at art club, ski club, and coding club! I do love to hit the clubs. I hope to plan a lot of fun events, so let me know if you have any suggestions. I’m so lucky to live in the best community with the best people. :) Let’s make senior year unforgettable! Name:  Xristina Zogopoulou Dorm:  Student Apartments  Hometown:  Preveza, Greece  Major:  International Relations + Psychology  Hey everyone! My name is Xristina and I come from a tiny town in Greece called Preveza. I am a dual International Relations and Psychology major and I will be one of the RAs at the student apartments. I am excited to meet everyone I haven't interacted with yet or reconnect with the ones I have! I love dancing, traveling, and hanging out with people!  Looking forward to an amazing year, my door is always open for you!

America’s education czars don’t need a Kremlin. The headquarters of the Department of Education. (Credit: Chris Zubak-Sees) In seeking to dismantle the Department of Education (ED), the Trump Administration has carried on a conservative fight that dates back to the ED’s creation in 1979. On March 20th, President Trump fired his second administration’s opening volley with   Executive Order (EO) 14242, “Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities.” Testing the limits of presidential power, even under the unitary executive theory he touts, President Trump instructed Education Secretary Linda McMahon “to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law, take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education.” In response, McMahon has overseen extensive cuts .  Inspired by this executive order and its ramifications, Ian Akers ‘27 penned a recent article  in defense of the Department of Education. However, this article misses the reality of the Department’s failures. Past unsuccessful attempts by Republican Presidents to suffocate Washington’s educational bureaucracy led the New York Times  to dub  ED “the department that would not die.” Without congressional support, Akers recognizes, Trump’s efforts are equally far from likely to succeed. Nonetheless, they rightfully target a bloated organization that has overseen the decline  of American education outcomes. Akers correctly notes that ED “is not involved in setting curricula, managing schools, or the setting or educational standards” but instead is devoted primarily to managing educational funding and enforcing rules such as civil rights statutes. Despite hiring thousands of staff related to civil rights and other regulations, however, ED lacks any prosecutorial power. The ED can only withhold federal funds, which only constitute an average  of 8.5% of local school budgets. After student aid programs, which were previously administered by a non-cabinet-level agency with significantly less bureaucracy, the lion’s share of ED’s budget funds public schools in hiring administrators to oversee implementations of the dozens of regulations they concoct. ED’s bloated staff, which oversees these regulations, is unnecessary when the Department of Justice already holds prosecutorial power. Further, much of the problem lies in Akers’s observation itself: ED does very little educating. They may delegate federal funding, but spending per student has little  direct correlation with educational outcomes. Meanwhile, federal college loan programs have generated a trillion dollars in student debt while fueling a price bubble inflating  tuition costs since ED’s conception. The Pell Grant for low-income students predates ED; abolishing ED would not mean cutting low-income students out of college, but removing bureaucracy from their path there. Programs that Akers understandably lauds, such as the   National Center for Education Research  and the   National Center for Special Education Research , do not require a cabinet-level Department of Education. This was recognized by progressive Democrat Joe Califano, the last Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) when he strongly opposed  turning ED into an independent department. Instead, ED’s programs could be administered by sub-cabinet level agencies, as education policy was previously administered within HEW. Akers fixates on the Trump admin's goal of returning educational power to the states, but abolishing the ED is more about returning power to families. Project 2025 , a visionary policy manifesto from a plethora of Republican experts, outlines how abolishing ED would empower American families to pursue education at non-traditional options such as “faith-based institutions, career schools, and military academies” funded by state and local taxpayers through a system of educational savings accounts. Homeschooling is another alternative that has shown itself capable of producing students consistently outpacing  public school graduates across fields. Further, the report outlines the movement of worthy ED programs into the purview of other departments while saving costs on ED bureaucracy.  Already stagnant, educational outcomes have collapsed since COVID. These outcomes make clear that the strategies we have used, with ED at the helm, have not worked. We cannot afford to abandon our next generation. The time has arrived to put children’s futures into the hands of the most fundamental institution of governance, their families.

Democracy thrives if we embrace uncertainty. Harris-Walz supporter reacts to election results at Howard University watch party, November 5, 2024. (Credit: Angela Weiss, AFP via Getty Images) Five months have passed since the election. It is tempting to believe that political grief is fleeting, that disillusionment will fade with time, but Trump’s first month in office may have renewed fears election night brought on. For example, in the twenty-four hours after November 5th, the Trevor Project’s crisis services saw  a 700% increase in volume. The attacks on the rule of law and the very definition of American identity give no reason as to why grief over the election results may have dissipated. This is why we return to this moment. There is no need to relive pain, but we should understand why it may persist, and in doing so, chart a way forward. Great pain comes from what never was. The notion that we could have enjoyed happier memories or achieved greater things can easily plague our minds, and uncertainty about what comes next brings about understandable fears. Yet, we should not let an idealized conception of what we lost poison the possibility of pursuing it in the future. A helpful concept is ambiguous loss –a form of grief rooted in uncertainty and the absence of closure, where something is gone but not in a definitive way. Those affected by it often suffer from prolonged states of unresolved mourning. Americans have recently let feelings of disillusionment from ambiguous loss in politics fuel cognitive dissonance and confirmation bias.  When conversation transforms into confrontation, people become isolated. Political anxiety or mourning should function as a jolt to dialogue. Productive political conversation is more important now than ever as Americans must strive to build consensus rather than continuing the destructive nature of political dialogue. Resorting to political purity tests driven by a desire to avoid interaction or compromise with political rivals will deliver nothing. Living with the circumstances and moving forward with them is necessary to sustaining American democracy. A system where citizens prioritize compromise and resilience over despair prevents us from closing off the possibility for compromise. When we reduce democracy to a zero-sum game–where we conceive of defeat as intolerable or permanent–collapse becomes a distinct possibility. When political loss drives citizens to withdraw from meaningful engagement, either due to apathy or ideological entrenchment, democracy erodes from within.  The grief from an election does not come from losing anything material, but from the collapse of an imagined future. Democratic citizens must have the ability to navigate uncertainty without retreating to absolutes. Research  on the psychology of authoritarianism indicates that a higher tolerance for ambiguity is linked to a lower susceptibility to extremist thinking. If we cannot deal with the messy, unglamorous nature of compromise in governance, then we risk eroding democratic institutions.  The effects of such a breakdown are not unique to national politics. The Claremont Colleges, despite being a center for the exchange of ideas, can fall into debates on issues where reliance on inflexible dogma or indifference stymies productive discourse. At the height of campus protests regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, students felt betrayed by the college institutions that they believed served them. During the tumult, productive discourse transformed into ideological entrenchment and bitter resentment. When engaging with political adversaries is viewed as betrayal and compromise regarded as a taboo, we miss an opportunity to refine arguments or expand coalitions. Instead, we reinforce cycles of resentment and strengthen ideological echo chambers. For institutions committed to fostering the next generation of leaders, these reactions signal a disturbing trend. Refusing to engage with ideological adversaries removes the conditions necessary for democratic prosperity. Mourning losses is natural, but allowing grief to harden into disengagement or absolutism only serves to contribute to the forces that weaken the institutions that enable change. If democracy and all it embodies is to endure on our campuses, in our communities, and throughout our nation, we must resist the instinct to retreat into ideological silos. If nuance in casual political discourse cannot survive the grief we feel in loss, then we cannot hope to sustain healthy communities and the belief that defeat now is not the end of positive political possibilities. Political dialogue is an evolving process where current adversaries may become future allies. Among the greatest challenges of democratic participation is not just savoring the advantages of victory, but in responding to loss with resilience, to not let mourning unseen possibilities isolate us from conversations that can shape our future.