Editorials

After reading John Callen’s May 7 letter to the editor, “Smoking on campus isn’t the only secondhand health problem,” arguing against a smoking ban on campus, I felt compelled to write a response to Callen’s argument.

Key groups are supporting the proposed tobacco ban on the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus, including the Minnesota Student Association and the University Senate. While reducing the public health risks and costs of tobacco is a merit-worthy undertaking, there are numerous questions that should be addressed before the adoption of such a policy.

Many have the incorrect assumption that people our age are too consumed by their social networks to be truly informed about the world around them. Critics lament that those who’ve grown up in the digital age are getting their news from Reddit and skimming Twitter headlines and — gasp — no longer reading newspapers or watching local news on television.

Last Monday, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra ended a 191-day lockout when musicians agreed to the latest terms set forth by management. The Star Tribune reported April 30 that the details of the new contract agreed upon include a nearly 19 percent pay decrease for musicians and the cutting of six full-time positions in the ensemble from 34 to 28.

The lockout resulted in the cancellation of about 80 concerts, and the relationship between musicians and management remains understandably strained.

Earlier this month, the Minnesota House of Representatives unsurprisingly rejected an amendment that would have lifted the ban on Sunday liquor sales, Minnesota Public Radio reported.

Though post-graduate employment numbers remain low and tuition continues to rise, at least two private universities are willing to go to the extreme to receive payment from students.

Last week, the Minnesota Senate passed a version of the DREAM Act, which would allow Minnesota’s undocumented students to apply for financial aid at Minnesota colleges and universities and would equalize the cost of tuition to an in-state level.

We strongly urge the Legislature to approve this bill without significant delay and pass it on to the governor’s desk for signing.

This fall the University of Minnesota may begin sharing grades by program, instead of by college.

On April 26, the Wall Street Journal published an essay written by Jeffrey Selingo, the author of a forthcoming book addressing the future of higher education.

While admitting that there are problems with higher education, Selingo’s essay misrepresents earnings potentials as a criticism of the four-year degree from what he calls “Podunk U” as a derogatory term for state colleges and universities, vis-à-vis Harvard University.

From navigating student visas to finding housing thousands of miles away from home to communication issues, foreign students seeking degrees at the University of Minnesota face a multitude of barriers upon their arrival to the U.S. Add a lack of sexual health information and education, and the list becomes even more daunting.

Boynton Health Service officials reported earlier this week that they’ve noticed an increase in abnormal pap smears, sexually transmitted diseases and positive pregnancy tests among international students.