Over Homecoming Weekend, the Gustavus community was rattled by an incident that involved a racial slur aimed at a Gustavus student. In response to the incident, two events were held the following week to address hate and bias in the community and aid the community healing process and statements were issued by both Student Senate and the Diversity Leadership Council. On Tuesday, Oct. 8, Chaplains’ … Continue reading Campus organizations respond to hate, bias

“This is the art of drawing breath” were the words that welcomed the students gathered in Alumni Hall for an evening of spoken word. Two-time National Poetry Slam Champion Guante used the medium of spoken word to powerfully convey messages of social justice, love, and identity.   The idea to invite Guante to perform arose from a discussion at an M-Pact meeting last year where … Continue reading Spoken Word Redefines the Social Justice Conversation

In order to effectively address the needs of students on campus, Student Senate meets with the Board of Trustees in order to discuss student concerns and other matters on campus. On Sept. 27, Student Senate Co-Presidents Matt Timmons and Dani Cabrera, presented a number of issues to the Board including divestment, financial transparency, the Gustavus Tobacco-free initiative, sanitation in dorms, and the accessibility of wi-fi … Continue reading Board discusses with Senate

The Minnesota Security Hospital has a long and checkered history in St. Peter. Established in 1866, it was the first state hospital for the mentally ill. Recently, however, safety concerns have arisen due to a growing number of incidents associated with the facility. The hospital campus is comprised of buildings ranging from high to low security, including a nursing home. These incidents prompted a scathing … Continue reading Senate evaluates Minnesota Security Hospital changes

On the morning of Monday, Sept. 30, the Gustavus community received an email that weighed heavily on students, faculty, and staff alike; a member of the Gustavus community had been targeted by a hate crime. Ending her address with a call to action, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students JoNes VanHecke wrote, “Reclaim your community by stepping forward and sharing what you … Continue reading Hate crime shocks campus, still seeking answers

There’s a growing trend on college campuses to completely ban smoking and tobacco use. The Gustavus Tobacco Free Initiative stems from this nationwide movement and advocates for a tobacco-free campus. The student-led group is partnering with the American Lung Association to support a campus wide tobacco ban. Junior Jack Healy, an intern for the American Lung Association, describes the intentions of the Gustavus Tobacco Free … Continue reading Tobacco-Free Initiative rekindles old debate