Share: In a world increasingly fraught with political tension and social upheaval, the concept of “institutional neutrality” has become a convenient fig leaf for organizations looking to dodge accountability and controversy. Harvard University’s recent decision to reject calls for a stronger stance on social and political issues under the guise of neutrality is a prime example of this misguided and fundamentally political stance. Harvard’s leadership, in opting for neutrality, ostensibly aims to create an environment where academic freedom and open discourse can flourish unimpeded by …
Incoming student trustee finds her spirit at PCC
Share: During her years at Temple City High School, Irene Wong immersed herself in the rules and procedures of Model United Nations. “I tried out [for student government in high school] but I didn’t have enough spirit,” Wong said in an interview, laughing. In the diplomatic, collaborative environment of Model UN, Wong discovered a passion for social and political advocacy. “I really got into political advocacy around high school,” Wong said. “I think that ingrained interest is what drew me to being a part of …
Divestment calls persist, but path forward still unclear
Share: Efforts to pressure the Pasadena City College (PCC) Foundation to divest from major polluters and defense contractors are pressing on, but the path forward remains unclear due to the foundation’s independent governance, fears of professional repercussions among faculty, and a lack of concrete action in response to student protests and resolutions. Following a 300-person demonstration led by the PCC Anti-War Club in late April, PCC’s student government unanimously passed a resolution calling on the foundation to divest from companies involved in fossil fuels and …
A vegan’s guide to eating at PCC
Share: For vegans at Pasadena City College (PCC), navigating meal options can be challenging. While the campus dining scene is slowly evolving, finding vegan-friendly food requires some creativity and resourcefulness. This guide aims to help fellow vegans discover the best places to eat, both on and off campus, ensuring that dietary restrictions don’t compromise the enjoyment of your college experience. On-Campus Options PCC’s on-campus food options for vegans are, frankly, embarrassingly bad. If you’re looking for something more than a snack but don’t want to …
Associated Students unanimously passes divestment resolution
Share: In a unanimous vote, the Associated Students at Pasadena City College passed a resolution that pressures PCC and the school’s foundation to divest from major polluters and defense contractors by July 2025. The vote comes a week after around 300 students demonstrated on campus calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the foundation’s investments in companies linked to Israel’s military and profiting off war. “The Associated Students of Pasadena City College calls on Pasadena City College Foundation to refrain from making …
Planned demolition of W building leaves uncertain future for dance program
Share: Pasadena City College’s (PCC) Facilities Master Plan, endorsed by voters in 2022, is facing a wave of apprehension from students and faculty in the dance department as the college gears up to demolish the W and L buildings. The W building, which houses the dance department, has become a point of particular contention. At a recent Board of Trustees meeting in April, students enrolled in the dance program voiced their concerns about the impending demolition, citing worries over the lack of suitable replacement facilities. …
Traditional music meets modern beats at Getty College Night
Share: Against panoramic city views and the stunning architecture of the Getty Center, thousands of students mingled as a symphony of electronic Cherokee and Muscogee music filled the air. This was no ordinary night at the museum; it was Getty College Night, a night for students from colleges and universities across the region to come together in celebration of art, culture, and creativity with a plethora of activities, live performances, and art exhibitions. The event alternates between the Getty Villa and Center each year, this …
In attempts to censor press, LA City Attorney puts police before the public
Share: In a democracy, the government serves the people. But in Los Angeles, City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto seems to have a different idea. For Feldstein Soto, police interests come first and the public interest comes last. The City of Los Angeles has found itself embroiled in two lawsuits against Ben Camacho, a reporter for local news website Knock LA. His supposed crime? Obtaining over 9,000 LAPD personnel headshots through a lawful request under the California Public Records Act (CPRA). These headshots were provided by …
McDaniel is out at NBC, but corporate media is all-in on killing democracy
Share: NBC News’s decision to sever ties with Ronna McDaniel, the former chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, might seem like a step towards journalistic integrity, but the truth is that corporate media remains as complicit in MAGA attacks on American democracy as ever. The hiring and sudden firing highlight the inherent tension between journalistic objectivity and the pursuit of profit. In an era marked by intense polarization and heightened political scrutiny, corporate media organizations often find themselves walking a tightrope between serving the public …
Bonds to bombs: A quaint community college’s global impact
Share: The PCC Foundation, a non-profit that raises funds for Pasadena City College (PCC), holds investments in several major polluters and weapons manufacturers including ExxonMobil and RTX Corp (formerly Raytheon), a Courier analysis of the foundation’s financial disclosures found. The findings come at a time when students across the nation, including PCC, are urging their institutions to divest from companies implicated in climate degradation and Israel’s ongoing bombardment of the Gaza Strip. Since the escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine on Oct. 7, 2023, …