Missouri bill would censor and possibly imprison librarians

Last month, Missouri State House Representative Ben Baker introduced the Parental Oversight of Public Libraries Act, or House Bill 2044. The bill states that “no public library shall receive any state aid under this section if such library allows minors to access age-inappropriate sexual materials.”

Professor Jessica Maier awarded prestigious NEH research fellowship

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has rewarded Jessica Maier, an Art History professor at Mount Holyoke, a fellowship for her work. The NEH is an independent federal agency that provides grants to various institutions and scholars for works of great importance in the humanities. Submitted proposals are subject to independent review.

New art exhibit advances climate change conversation

Students and faculty milled around the lobby of the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum on Wednesday, Jan. 29, as poems and soft music played from a speaker. Some gathered around a table filled with snacks while others looked at the different exhibits lining the walls. Still, others wrote on sticky notes, either describing their own version of the apocalypse or sharing bits of hope on another section of the wall.

New spring admits find community in small class size

The start of the spring semester means beginning classes, extracurriculars and escaping forced family interactions. But for the class of 2023 spring admits, or “springies,” this semester brings the long-awaited first arrival to Mount Holyoke.

Deer hunting debate continues in the Pioneer Valley

On Nov. 13, 2019, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation announced that the proposed expansion of deer hunting to Quabbin Park in Belchertown, Massachusetts would be cancelled. The press release cited a need of further research. The Pioneer Valley is no stranger to controversy around the expansion of hunting in the area. The argument remains as to whether the hunting of deer should be expanded to more land or less, and how necessary the hunting of deer is for the environment.

Shakti program promotes leadership

Shakti, a program started in 2016 following the interim President Sonya Stephens’ trip to India in 2014, is a two-day conference which occurs every summer. Created through a collaboration between the Office of Admission and the individual alumnae, Shoba Narayan ’87, Vijaya Pastala ’89 and Gayatri Rangachari Shah ’94, the program aims to inspire confidence and leadership skills of 11th and 12th grade girls in India.

Jane Wald discusses work in the world of Emily Dickinson

Jane Wald discusses work in the world of Emily Dickinson

BY MIMI HUCKINS ’21

On the third floor of a historic house in Amherst, Massachusetts, sits Jane Wald, the executive director of the Emily Dickinson Museum. She wears a cream sweater with a crisp blue vest, her glasses carefully balanced on her nose.

A personal perspective on Californian wildfires

A week ago, I opened up my laptop and waited for Facebook to load. As posts popped up on my screen, I began to laugh. My friends looked over to see what meme or status update I found so funny; instead, they found me scrolling through updates of my friends at home marking themselves safe from various wildfires. Of course, I don’t find the destruction of my state funny. But to me, there was something disturbingly humorous about opening a page, expecting it to be filled with lighthearted content and instead finding reminder upon reminder that climate change was once again showing its ugly face back at home.

Room inspections introduce new policy

Room inspections introduce new policy

Over the past weeks, students at Mount Holyoke have received emails from members of the Residential Life staff about upcoming health and safety room checks. The emails included basic time and date information, as well as a lengthy list of items not allowed in the residence halls or apartments. Inspections took place between Nov. 7 and Nov. 15.

Merging film studies and theatre arts majors prompts discussion amongst department members

Merging film studies and theatre arts majors prompts discussion amongst department members

In spring 2019, the film studies and theatre arts departments announced a tentative merger to create a new major. Faculty and students gathered to discuss concerns with the majors and ideas for a new path of study. This semester, the two departments announced that the plan is in the works and awaiting final approval from the faculty board.

Rhonda Saletnik finds joy in housekeeping at Mount Holyoke

Rhonda Saletnik finds joy in housekeeping at Mount Holyoke

Outside the door of each housekeeping closet is a whiteboard on which students write welcoming, encouraging and grateful messages to acknowledge Mount Holyoke housekeepers. For one housekeeper, Rhonda Saletnik, her life involves much more than cleaning up after students.

Administration grapples with diversity recognition: what is a “women’s college”?

Administration grapples with diversity recognition: what is a “women’s college”?

The title of a “women’s college” is heavily debated. On its website, Mount Holyoke uses the term “women’s college.” Most prominently, it is found on the College’s “About” page, where the College describes itself as “a women’s College that is gender diverse,” going on to say, “we welcome application from female, transgender and nonbinary students.”