Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
A spirit that is not afraid

Letter-To-The-Editor

Typewriter with paper and envelopes, with side text reading, "Letters to the Editor."

LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Mexicans deserve to feel safe at Auburn

I am one of many people of Mexican descent who make up the Auburn community, I write this letter to underscore that Mexicans and people of Mexican descent are community members at Auburn University. We are not a vague entity existing on the fringes of this town. We are not a political talking point. We are people sharing this university space with you. By not specifically addressing what took place on Saturday and the harm that it does to people of Mexican descent on our campus, President Roberts and his administration frame this event not as a real act of violence. The university must acknowledge what has occurred and, instead of making wishful generalities about our community values, make those values actionable on behalf of all its community members. Auburn won’t be those things unless it does them.


Envelopes flying into a mailbox that reads, "Letters to the Editor."

LETTER TO THE EDITOR | On campus safety

On Saturday, Jan. 24, I participated in a peaceful protest over the actions of ICE in Minnesota, and especially the shooting of Alex Pretti, at Toomer's Corner from 5 to 6 p.m. Many hurled insults in response to the protest that I found personally disgusting and a poor reflection on Auburn, but as a history professor, I believe in the importance of free speech.  


Typewriter with paper and envelopes, with side text reading, "Letters to the Editor."

LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Veteran appreciation

Auburn has more than 150 years of history transforming college students into military officers. During that time between 14,000 and 18,000 young men and women have left The Loveliest Village on The Plains to become officers in our Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Space Force. Auburn should put some effort into honoring our military from the Auburn community who gave their lives in the line of duty. These days less than one percent of our nation serves in our military, about six percent of our population are veterans. If Auburn is going to tout and brag about their support for the military and veterans, they should honor all of those who died in service of our great nation.

Letter to the Editor graphic.jpg

LETTER TO THE EDITOR | SB 129

As an English major at Auburn University, I can’t help but feel disturbed by the way that Alabama has treated the study of English. Alabama is a state that has defined itself by a refusal to let go of the past. Confederate flags, statues, and self-justifying narratives have been constantly defended using the reasoning that they represent “our history.” In closing our minds to these topics, Alabama is dooming itself to perpetuate the deleterious social and economic effects of its racism.

Letter to the Editor graphic.jpg

Letter to the Editor | Beware AI in classrooms

AI is taking over in classrooms. To be clear, this is a powerful technology with many useful applications, including in the university setting. There is evidence that it can aid in some aspects of learning. However, there is also strong evidence that it can significantly harm learning and even lead to a decline in human ability. And it is becoming increasingly possible—or even likely—that this technology is not as transformative or revolutionary as some of its boosters have argued. 

Letter to the Editor graphic.jpg

Letter to the Editor | Give power and time to creativity

Mary Oliver, poet, essayist, Pulitzer winner and famously degree-less college student, writes: “The most regretful people on earth are those who felt the call to creative work, who felt their own creative power restive and uprising, and gave to it neither power nor time.” This quote won’t resonate with everyone, but it does with me. I bet it does with my fellow creatives, too — those who answered the call and spent their most formative years giving it power and time.

Letter to the Editor graphic.jpg

Letter to the Editor | Research is under attack

Regardless of one’s political affiliations, leading the world in research is good for everyone. My request to Auburn students is to learn about the research going on at Auburn and other universities, what indirect costs are used for and then to educate their families and friends so that we can turn our leaders away from the dangerous direction we are heading with our precious world-leading research.

Letter to the Editor graphic.jpg

Letter to the Editor | Prioritize pedestrians in the Loveliest Village

While walking our dogs in downtown Auburn, my partner and I were struck by something. In a very literal sense, we were doused by a cup of water that had been thrown out of a speeding pickup truck. In the more abstract sense, we were stunned by the realization that our downtown — from street to sidewalk — belongs to automobiles, not to people. 

Letter to the Editor graphic.jpg

LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Diversity Inclusion: Meet NPHC

It is one thing to write in a syllabus or on a website that we are an inclusive and diverse campus; it is another thing to consciously, intentionally and actively be one. It starts with us going out and supporting one another and seeing the different cultures and traditions our great institution has to offer.