Opinion

COLUMN | Knowing I’m in the “write” place

By Sam Vise | Assistant Culture Editor | April 29

As I reflect on my time as assistant culture editor, I want to say thank you to The Auburn Plainsman for showing me that I’m in the "write" field. I have grown out of my shell and truly established myself as a writer and a journalist because of this organization. Thank you.

COLUMN | The Ups and Downs of the SEC

By Jordan Bynum Wright | Columnist | April 28

Whether it’s the chaos of Bama Rush or dominating showcases in just about every sport, the SEC draws a lot of eyes. While the spectacle that is the SEC is often glamorized, it is important to take a more holistic view of it. Though tailgates and Greek life may be fun, we should not gloss over the ways that the SEC, southern culture and our own campus culture often falls short.

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.

Hiring Freezes and Funding Cuts in Academia Graphic

COLUMN | Ivy League scrutiny: How an Auburn student responds

By Isabella Hidalgo | Columnist | April 18

The Trump administration has threatened to withdraw hundreds of millions in federal funding to elite universities, and it shows little sign of letting up. With the crackdown on academia becoming more widespread, should Auburn students be worried?

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.

COLUMN | The road ends here

By Grace Heim | Assistant Sports Editor | April 11

This Auburn basketball team earned its place in Auburn history — through how they played, how they carried themselves and how they represented the Auburn family. I’m glad I had the chance to cover it before I graduate. And like any great run, it ended too soon.

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.

Letter to the Editor | My apartment is being torn down. Here are my thoughts.

By Jake Yohn | April 4

Elm Court has been my home for the past school year. I’m not writing this to complain about having to change apartments and move my unusually heavy couch. I’m writing this to talk about the slow death of the Loveliest Village and the birth of an over-commercialized, unfeeling city.

COLUMN | Planting a jungle: Bruce Pearl's profound influence on Auburn's culture

By Chase Morgese | Opinion Editor | April 23

Bruce Pearl was hired as the Auburn men’s basketball head coach in 2014 after the team’s fifth straight losing season. His passion for basketball and his loyalty to players and the community formed the basis of a new culture — a culture which would one day solidify Auburn’s standing as a basketball school.

EDITORIAL | People deserve the truth, no questions asked

By Editorial Board Spring 2025 | April 14

We need to know what is going on, and we need to know that our university will stand up for us. Our First Amendment right to a free press exists to lend the people a clear view of local, statewide and national affairs. When these standards aren’t met, it is crucial that we fight to reestablish them.

COLUMN | When will Auburn get a female statue?

By Isabella Hidalgo | Columnist | April 10

Being a student on Auburn’s campus, I don’t have much to complain about. However, I’ve recently noticed a disturbing truth — we have no statues of our female athletes. We have many male statues to be in awe of: Charles Barkley, Bo Jackson, John Heisman and Pat Dye are all well worth their weight ...

COLUMN | These Sports Deserve More Recognition

By Jordan Bynum Wright | Columnist | April 9

It is easy to overlook other sports at Auburn, the likes of which may not have as much national fanfare, but have athletes just as dedicated to their crafts and worthy of recognition.

COLUMN | A senior perspective of storming the field for the Texas A&M takedown

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | April 7

From The Plainsman sports print edition, Editor-in-Chief Sami Grace Donnelly gives an artistic impression of the meaning behind the historic, season-ending victory over Texas A&M.

Letter from the Editor | Plainsman sports edition

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | April 7

I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid and in clean sports that develop these qualities.

EDITORIAL | Internet anonymity is a myth

By Editorial Board Spring 2025 and Chase Morgese | Opinion Editor | April 4

In the age of the internet, our actions are under constant scrutiny, whether we know it or not. The social media app YikYak has often been the source of scandal. Although the site boasts of its potential for community and positive impact, it is riddled with gossip, bullying and hate.

EDITORIAL | Will Tiger Scheduler crash out or conquer registration week?

By Brychelle Brooks | Newsletter Editor and Editorial Board Spring 2025 | April 2

Auburn’s internet presence is constantly advancing with new efforts to become digital daily. The growth that Auburn is experiencing both physically and electronically hasn't been holding up. Can it change this year?

EDITORIAL | Celebrating men's basketball as No. 1

By Editorial Board Spring 2025 | March 19

Even though there are still boundless “what-if’s” left this season, we feel confident in the legacy of the 2024-2025 men’s basketball team and want to intentionally celebrate them in our Sports Edition.

Letter from the Editor | Voices of the Loveliest Village

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | March 17

As a staff, we want to bring a variety of stories, perspectives and identities into the spotlight as we acknowledge that the community of Auburn is not one-sided. It is multifaceted, deep and dynamic. Whether a socioeconomic category or a collegiate pursuit, these differences are important to see.

COLUMN | Is Auburn really diverse?

By Brychelle Brooks | Newsletter Editor | March 6

Is Auburn University truly the "Auburn Family" for all its students? A look at the university's demographics and history reveals a complex relationship with diversity and inclusion. From low Black student enrollment to a past marked by segregation, Auburn's present raises questions about its commitment to supporting marginalized communities.

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COLUMN | Do you need to know someone to get a job after graduation?

By Isabella Hidalgo | Columnist | February 28

Universities promise students an equal opportunity to learn and succeed, no matter their background. Oddly enough, despite the proclaimed importance of hard work and personal merit, the individual who knows the boss almost always seems to land the job.