Opinion

Letter from the Editor | Voices of the Loveliest Village

| 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.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR | Shoring fragments of truth against our ruins

| January 13

There’s not much The Plainsman hasn't done. However, when I sit here and wonder what I can do to contribute to this organization, I realize there is something we need more of: we need more people’s perspectives. Whether breaking news or treasured memories, we need to bring these genuine, human stories to the forefront of the media.

EDITORIAL | University growth isn't sustainable for the city of Auburn or its residents

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief , Editorial Board Fall 2024 and Sami Grace Donnelly | October 30

Auburn University has reported a record number of students admitted and enrolled in the university for three consecutive years, but it comes at a cost. Ironically, the growth that Auburn is experiencing, not only as a university but also as a city, isn’t sustainable for the people who live here right now.

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Letter from the Editor: Camp War Eagle 2024

June 4

Harlee Meydrech, The Auburn Plainsman's 2024 editor--in-chief, welcomes new students to Auburn and gives advice for their next four years.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Diversity Inclusion: Meet NPHC

October 1

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.

Letter from the Editor | Plainsman sports edition

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.

COLUMN | Staying mentally and physically in shape freshman year

By Mason Flynn | August 7

Freshman year can be overwhelming. It is helpful to find on-campus ways to maintain one's mental and physical health through this difficult transition.

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.

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 | Editor-in-Chief 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.

COLUMN | Is Auburn really diverse?

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | 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.

COLUMN | What Auburn means to me

By Grace Heim | Assistant Sports Editor | February 17

Auburn is a feeling — a place where stories unfold, where people feel like family and where I’ve grown as a writer, student and person. Read on to learn what Auburn means to Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor at The Auburn Plainsman.

COLUMN | Cupid draw back your bow

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | February 13

Love songs were a staple of the 1950s and the early 60s, these songs were commonly filled with lyrics of innocence and romance. One of Sam Cooke's most notable songs, was his single "Cupid," was released in May of 1961.Cupid became a figure of love and romance in the 18th century and Cooke's single projected the influence further for the holiday of love.

COLUMN | Alabama the Backward

By William Speigner | Legal Reporter | January 20

48 states honor the transformative legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Yet, Alabama and Mississippi will instead celebrate Robert E. Lee, a symbol of the confederacy and its fight to maintain slavery. Deeming MLK Day a "cultural issue" while celebrating a confederate leader and looking past it should not be normalized.