Flames of the Torch: On the University’s responsibility to allocate funds appropriately
February 6, 2019
Filed under Home Scroll, Opinion
This week, the new Athletics Director Mike Cragg told the Torch that he has big plans for the university’s staple: Carnesecca Arena. After 58 years of the Lou Carnesecca-dedicated arena being built, and 11 years since its last renovation, it’s safe to say Cragg’s ambition to renovate the Quee...
Flames of the Torch: On Student Press Freedom Day
January 30, 2019
Filed under Home Scroll, Opinion
Today, student publications across the country will participate in Student Press Freedom Day, a day dedicated to the right of student publications to report freely on all issues — especially those that directly affect them and their fellow students. As a student publication, it is our responsi...
Flames of the Torch: Finals,Holidays, New Year
December 5, 2018
Filed under Opinion
As the semester comes to an end, we can’t help but reflect on moments from the year while simultaneously finding ourselves in a state of high stress that coincides perfectly with the holiday season. December is the month where deadlines loom, temperatures drop and we retreat to our preferred stud...
Flames of the Torch: On The Devastating Woolsey Fires in California
November 14, 2018
Filed under Home Scroll, Opinion
As a nation, we are always subject to go through dark times. However, it is on us to decide the best way we should respond and react to these hard times. Within the last few weeks of November, we have seen California battle record-breaking wildfires. The Woolsey Fire has been described as California’...
Flames of the Torch: Be the change you want to see – Vote
November 7, 2018
Filed under Home Scroll, Opinion
On Tuesday, Nov. 6, Americans were given the opportunity to change the way that their country is governed. This year’s Midterm Elections were crucial, as key issues such as the funding of Planned Parenthood and immigration restrictions were at stake. The results of Tuesday’s elections decides how the count...
Flames of the Torch: On the importance of transgender rights
October 24, 2018
Filed under Home Scroll, Opinion
This week, the Trump administration announced that they are “seriously considering changing” the government’s official definition of gender to one’s biological sex determined at birth. Under this new definition, the recognition of transgender individuals under the law would be jeopardized if...
Flames of the Torch: On journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s disappearance
October 17, 2018
Filed under Home Scroll, Opinion
When prominent Saudi Arabian journalist, Jamal Khashoggi, who in the past criticized the reign of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, disappeared after entering the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2, the story struck some as familiar. In a world in which secrets are power, journalists, working as ...
Flames of the Torch: Breaking the Silence
October 3, 2018
Filed under Home Scroll, Opinion
Activism against sexual violence and sexual assault is perhaps in its greatest era of necessity. One of the nominees for the highest court in the United States, Supreme Court justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh, is currently under investigation by the FBI and facing a trial of public opinion for allegatio...
Flames of the Torch: The Torch’s Stance on Reporting, ICE and Columbus Day
September 26, 2018
Filed under Home Scroll, Opinion
Every school year, the Torch sends out reporters and photographers to cover breaking news and planned events organized by St. John’s University’s students, administration, faculty and alumni. This can range from but is not limited to talks, presentations, performances and protests. When it...
Flames of the Torch: #SaveStudentNewsrooms
April 25, 2018
Filed under Home Scroll, Opinion
Today, student newspapers across the country will stand in unity to promote the importance of independent student-run media on college campuses. In light of an emerging national distrust in the media, now more than ever is the time to protect the voice given to college students through these publ...
Flames of the Torch: on selecting commencement speakers of more diverse backgrounds
April 4, 2018
Filed under Opinion
Last week, St. John’s Law School announced that this year’s commencement speaker will be former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. Not only is this exciting, as Bharara has been an influential figure in the landscape of the U.S. government, but it is also a step in a promising direction, following the lead o...
Flames of the Torch: SGI e-board candidates need to challenge the status quo
March 21, 2018
Filed under Opinion
Election season is now upon us. With new e-boards emerging to serve for the 2018-2019 academic year that will undoubtedly impact the climate on campus — and further guide where it’s going — this is one of the most important times, if not the most important, in the year. One of the most signif...
