The Vanderbilt Torch

HODumb

Unlike its peer institutions, Vanderbilt’s most popular major isn’t English, Economics or History. It is Human and Organizational Development—known around campus as HOD.

Though many students come to Vanderbilt not even knowing what HOD stands for, it doesn’t take long for rumors about the use of art supplies to circulate. Soon, even engineers who have never set foot on Peabody’s magnolia-covered lawn have formed an opinion about the unique major. As a freshman, I soon realized that saying, “She’s HOD,” is often meant to convey more than just someone’s major classification.

Living Wage Never

The issue of a living wage has loomed large over campus this year. Despite all this attention, few student voices have come out in opposition to it. However, it is doubtful that this is because the vast majority of Vanderbilt students support LIVE’s anti-market policies. Rather, the lack of vocal opposition is likely partially a result of the fact that defending the status-quo generally tends to inspire less energy. Perhaps more importantly, however, is the fact that many of us who are opposed to the implementation of a living wage feel we have made our arguments time and time again over the past few years. Sometimes it seems there isn’t much left to say.

Yet, as opponents of the living wage rest content that we have made our case, LIVE continues to increase its agitation on campus. Since LIVE’s decision to storm into a Board of Trustee’s committee meeting earlier this year, it has received national coverage in the New York Times, substantial coverage in the Tennessean, and what seems like weekly coverage in campus publications. The living wage movement is not likely to go away any time soon. Thus, those who truly believe that a living wage is harmful cannot disappear either. Whether or not it feels repetitive, the arguments opposing a living wage must be made yet again.

Affirmative Animosity

On Jan. 10^th, the University of Michigan began reviewing applications for admission under a new system that excludes all considerations of race.  This new method of review is the result of Proposal 2—a ballot initiative passed by 58 percent of Michigan’s voters on Nov. 7^th, which outlaws the use affirmative action in all decisions regarding state hiring and public institutions of higher education.

It should not be remarkable that a state-funded institution is complying with the mandate of a clear majority of the voters of a state.  However, given University President Mary Sue Coleman’s initial reaction, such compliance does come as somewhat of a surprise.  Only one day after Proposal 2 passed, a defiant Coleman addressed a group of Michigan students, faculty, and community members announcing that she was, “deeply disappointed” about the passage of the proposal. “We will find ways to overcome the handcuffs that Proposal 2 attempts to place on our reach for greater diversity,” she proclaimed, making it clear that she was willing to use taxpayer dollars in attempt to subvert the will of a majority of the state’s taxpayers. And Coleman even seemed confident about her ability to do so; quoting Susan B. Anthony she assured the crowd that, “failure is impossible.”

K-Fed K.O.'d

As millions of Americans cast their ballots on Election Day, a former pop princess made a decision of her own. Citing irreconcilable differences, Britney Spears filed for divorce from her husband of two years, Kevin Federline, and ignited a media circus, overshadowed only by the shift of the balance of power in Congress.

Despite the fact that celebrity magazines had been predicting the end of this marriage since the day the two wed, nearly every news outlet felt the need to give this story prominent coverage. The public split has been filled with controversy, including rumors that Federline—also known as K-Fed and, more recently, FedEx—has a sex tape of the couple he is willing to sell to the highest bidder if Spears doesn’t acquiesce to his demands. However, amid this inflammatory coverage, another disturbing trend has emerged: many commentators have seemingly taken Spears’ side, tacitly or even explicitly applauding her decision.

Know When to Fold 'Em

At the close of the last congressional session before midterm elections a bill was passed that made America a much safer place. Thanks to this heroic bill, our ports are now safer and Americans are protected from the threat of being able to choose whether or not to gamble online. 

Don’t think those things belong on the same level? Think that, perhaps, gambling should be debated and decided apart from issues of national security? Tell that to Tennessee’s own Senator Bill Frist and the rest of the Republicans in congress.