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Letter-To-The-Editor

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR | The cost of code-switching

At first glance, these comments seem rude but unwavering; however, the reality of code-switching from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) to standardized English, and the racially based blockades correlated in these systems, showcases a present issue in corporate culture. The practice of code-switching creates this constant state of awareness of one's articulation, and one’s presence can require a significant amount of personal awareness and energy. Discriminating against AAVE in professional settings is a form of institutional racism that upholds white cultural standards, delegitimizes Black identity and limits economic opportunities for Black workers.

Various cut out letters that read, "Letters to the Editor."

LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Government recognition for the wrong reason?

On Feb. 27, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth published a video announcing the severing of ties from the government, particularly the Department of War (neé Defense), from several accredited universities. Because we shut ourselves off to any sort of criticism towards American ideals, the state of our country and administration, or really anything culturally, we are recognized. Frankly, Auburn as a "Potential New Partner Institution" should be a source of shame. We have, essentially, been recognized for our stubbornness. While I will never be ashamed of saying "War Eagle," and will never hide my pride for my school, it certainly hurts to do so when we're so openly anti-intellectual and so closed off to anything that isn't the status quo. Hopefully, it's more easily understood why our place on an unsuccessful and under-skilled former Fox News host's list of "partner institutions" isn't anything to be remotely happy about.

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

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

January 28

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.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR | On campus safety

By Kate Craig | Associate Professor | January 26

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

By Michael K. Lennon | January 12

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.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR | SB 129

By Ian Mercer | Auburn student | November 18

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.

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Letter to the Editor | Beware AI in classrooms

By Peter White | August 18

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. 

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Letter to the Editor | Give power and time to creativity

By Caroline Chesnut | April 24

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.

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Letter to the Editor | Research is under attack

By Bruce Gladden | Professor | April 18

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.

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Letter to the Editor | Prioritize pedestrians in the Loveliest Village

By Steve McKnight | April 6

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. 

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