BY ALLYSON HUNTOON '19
By 7:40 p.m. on Friday, March 24, the pews of Amherst College’s Johnson Chapel were nearly full. A crystal chandelier hung above guests’ heads as they filed into the room, shuffling across the red carpet to their seats. Students, faculty, alumni and community members alike had gathered to hear from, Dr. Cornell William Brooks.
BY NICOLE VILLACRÉS
The Northampton Police Department has ended their “High Five Friday” program, in which a group of officers would rotate between the four elementary schools every Friday to welcome kids to school. The NPD initiated the program in December of 2016 to foster positive encounters between police and young children. The program was shut down due to parents’ concerns about the presence of officers and the effect it might have on their children, according to the Daily Hampshire Gazette.
BY HANNAH ROACH '17
This past weekend saw a major increase in the rights of transgender individuals in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Massachusetts law that prohibits any discrimination against gender identity in public spaces was signed in July, and went into effect this Saturday. Massachusetts is the 18th state in the country to create such provisions for transgender people, according to the Berkshire Eagle.
BY ABBY BAKER '19
On Nov. 8, Massachusetts voters will not only cast their votes for president, but will also vote for or against the legalization of marijuana for individuals over the age of 21 within the state. Question 4 on the ballot will also include an opportunity for Massachusetts residents to vote for or against increasing the number of charter schools in the state.
