Japa Pallikkathayil, an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh, gave a presentation entitled “How to Feel About Structural Injustice” and answered questions from the audience.

“The philosophy department regularly hosts lively colloquia at which invited speakers discuss their newest, cutting-edge research on hotly debated contemporary concerns,” wrote Anja Karnein, associate professor and graduate director of philosophy, and Anthony Reeves, associate professor and chair of the philosophy department at Binghamton University, in a joint statement. “Here, faculty and students mingle and openly discuss philosophy at the highest level of the profession. The talk by Japa Pallikkathayil, Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, is a great example of this.”

At the start of the talk, Pallikkathayil provided a handout with a roadmap of her talk’s argumentative structure.

Pallikkathayil first addressed common reactions to structural injustice from a philosophical perspective, including feelings of resentment and righteous indignation. She then described a dilemma posed by David Estlund, a professor of philosophy at Brown University. According to Estlund’s theory, if structural injustice is merely bad, it would not warrant attitudes like resentment, a conclusion that is vulnerable to a “grievance challenge.”

If structural injustice is wrong only because of individual action, Estlund argues that many injustices cannot be classified as such because they are not explained solely by individual wrongdoing.

“This leaves the theorists of structural injustice with a really delicate needle to thread, right?” asked Pallikkathayil. “So they have to be able to explain why social causes matter, but in a way that doesn’t ultimately make it all about individual wrongdoing.”

The presentation then touched on how some replies to this dilemma have been inadequate. Resenting people for their contributions to structural injustice, for example, despite those people not being sole actors or the original cause of the injustice, is a situation she coined as “the mismatch problem.” Pallikkathayil continued, however, by objecting to other philosophers’ arguments, stating that they fail to seriously consider the risks involved in denying victims of structural injustice the space to grieve and react.

Pallikkathayil also argued that an important distinction exists between social structures that may be appropriately resented and those that are simply not as good as they could be. Estlund’s dilemma, she suggested, overlooks the possibility that structural injustice is neither wrong nor merely bad and it is possible to have legitimate expectations that can be disappointed.

To conclude her presentation, Pallikkathayil argued we should take an “associative perspective,” in which we can think of ourselves as participants in different kinds of associations, practices, institutions and structures.

“Insofar as these associations are not regulated by the relevant principles, they are apt targets of emotional responses — and I want to say in responses just like anger, blame and resentment,” said Pallikkathayil. “And I also want to just observe that associations might also go above and beyond what they’re required to do. So they might be the apt targets of emotional responses like gratitude.”

After a five-minute break, the audience reconvened for a Q&A session where students and faculty asked questions and critiqued parts of Pallikkathayil’s argument.

“Professor Pallikkathayil’s presentation combined two important topics: the moral demands that we can place on institutional structures, apart from the expectations that we have on individuals, and the connection between the aptness of our grievance attitudes and our attributions of agency,” Robert Guay, a professor of philosophy, wrote in a statement to Pipe Dream.

She both rejected and agreed with suggestions from audience members. Although structural injustice can call for proactive, forward-looking responses, she suggested that there is also room for simply resenting unjust events that have happened.

“Taking up the topic of structural injustice, injustice like racism or sexism that cannot be fully reduced to unjust individual actions, she argued against the recently defended view that it’s improper to feel aggrieved at certain aspects of structural injustice,” wrote Karnein and Reeves. “Roughly, if no one is to blame for some aspect of an injustice, then how can we properly feel indignant about it, even if we are its victims?”

“Often aspects of structural injustice can be explained by individuals or collectives acting wrongly, but not always,” they continued. “Against this type of sensibility, Pallikkathayil drew out the intuitive sense in which victims of structural injustice still seem properly indignant at the mere injustice: the mere fact of a failure to live up to principles of social justice is simply itself something that can be aggrieved, even if there is sometimes no agent that is the target of the specific grievance.”

While searching for housing can be stressful, it is critical to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant to mitigate stress and protect yourself from unlawful treatment by landlords.

What’s in a lease?

Leases are legal contracts between a tenant and the landlord containing the terms and conditions you must abide by while staying in the residence. These documents should be written in plain, easy-to-understand language while avoiding jargon and fine print.

In addition to monthly rent, some landlords make tenants pay the cost of some utilities in the lease. Utilities may include gas, electricity, water, sewage and trash services, so it is important to understand if you have to pay for these services on your own.

Other key aspects to look for in your lease include amenities. Some landlords may advertise that their property is close to campus and comes pre-furnished. Depending on your needs and resources, you may desire a rental unit that comes with furniture and is located near a Broome County Transit or Off Campus College Transport bus stop. However, it is likely that the more amenities a rental unit has, the greater the cost will be.

One way to save money as a student renter is by seeking out spaces that share practical and communal amenities, rather than luxury perks like gyms. Off-street parking and in-unit washers and dryers are commonly sought after by tenants. If you decide to rent a space that lacks these amenities, you should seek out nearby laundromats and parking garages.

Most lease agreements are for a one-year term, and it may be difficult to find a landlord willing to rent for less than a full year. Because many students travel during the winter or summer months, it can be cost effective to find an apartment that will permit you to sublet your apartment for part of the lease term.

Landlords’ rights and responsibilities

Despite owning the property, your landlord does not have the right to enter the property at any time during your leasing term. Leases should include a section titled “right to entry,” which outlines when your landlord may enter the premises. New York law requires landlords to provide you with notice at least 24 hours in advance before entering for showings or inspections

For emergency repair requests, landlords are required to respond as soon as possible. As a tenant, you are allowed to withhold rental payment to make repairs on your own if the cost of the repair is reasonable and the issue raises “a danger to the life, health or safety” of those living there. Landlords have up to one week after you notify them to make nonemergency repairs.

A rent payment cannot legally be considered late unless it is received more than five days after your rent is due. The landlord is required to give their tenant notice if a rental payment is late, and failure to do so will allow you to raise this as a defense in court. It is possible to be evicted for not paying rent, but your case can be dismissed if all money owed is paid before a warrant of eviction is executed.

If you leave before the lease ends, landlords must make a good-faith effort to fill the vacancy, providing legal protections for tenants looking to move out before their lease expires. You are not liable for the remaining payments if the landlord finds a new tenant who will pay the same or higher rent.

For tenants living in housing that is not rent stabilized, your landlord must return your security deposit within two weeks of your move-out date. An itemized receipt must be provided if the landlord took money from the security deposit to fix any damages. If they do not, you are entitled to receive your full security deposit back, regardless of whether there is damage in the apartment or house.

Tenants should always document any existing damages and communicate with their landlord upon moving in.

The grants are aimed at supporting novel research in areas related to psychology, biomedical and industrial engineering, computing, physics and systems science. These awards are given to academic researchers early in their careers who demonstrate potential in leading groundbreaking research to advance their department’s mission.

The winners include Ana Laura Elías Arriaga, assistant professor of physics; Jia Deng, associate professor of systems science and industrial engineering; Fuda Ning, assistant SSIE professor; Yincheng Jin, assistant professor of computing; Sung-Joo Lim, assistant professor of psychology; and Qianbin Wang, assistant professor of biomedical engineering.

“Binghamton University is fortunate to add six new faculty members to a long list of those who have previously won NSF CAREER Awards,” said Donald Hall, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, in a statement to BingUNews. “This award routinely recognizes brilliant and hard-working faculty members who grow to become internationally respected leaders in their fields.”

“These six individuals are going to make our world a better place through their research and scholarship,” he continued.

University faculty received more NSF CAREER Awards this year than any other SUNY school. This recent set of award winners each received between $580,000 and $815,000 to further their research.

“I am excited to investigate the environmental and neural factors that support efficient learning, particularly in the challenging area of perceptual skill learning in adults,” Lim wrote in a statement to Pipe Dream. “By examining how adults acquire complex non-speech and foreign speech sounds, I hope to gain deeper insights about brain plasticity while working more closely with the community that may benefit from this research.”

Jin plans to work alongside the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities and learners of American Sign Language to develop an ASL training platform that incorporates artificial intelligence and wearable devices. He hopes his project will create valuable datasets that can be used in future research on human-computer exchanges.

Within the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, Deng and Ning will use their grants to advance the technology industry. Deng aims to explore probe-based nanomanufacturing to improve the performance of electronics, while Ning’s research will focus on improving 3D printing, which can benefit industries ranging from medicine to astronomy.

“This is not just my personal effort,” Ning said in a statement to BingUNews. “The SSIE School’s support, collaborations and, of course, my students’ hard work also made this award happen.”

Elías Arriaga was awarded an NSF CAREER Award to build on her “one-pot synthesis” method, a technique that stacks ultra-thin materials with layers of different atoms to develop new properties. This building process can be used to create microchips and improve clean energy technology, among other implementations. Elías Arriaga also designed educational modules for the Physics Outreach Project, which can introduce physics and science to hundreds of K-5 students from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

Finally, Wang, who came to the University in 2023, will use his funding to explore causes of glaucoma, a neurodegenerative disease and the second leading cause of blindness worldwide.

“Currently, we are at a point where materials science, neural engineering and AI can work together to make a real breakthrough,” Wang said in a BingUNews feature. “I think my role is just to build some bridges between these fields. Then, we can make better tools, either for the early detection of glaucoma or some kind of treatment.”

News of these project grants comes as the Trump administration proposed significant cuts in federal funding for many areas of scientific research. New grant funding this year is at its lowest since at least 1990, (2) per reporting from The New York Times. Early-career researchers, in particular, often rely on grant funding to obtain tenure and continue their line of study.

“The NSF CAREER Awards are an incredibly prestigious honor and distinction for early-career faculty,” said University President Harvey Stenger in a statement to BingUNews. “To have six faculty members receive these awards should instill the entire University community with a great deal of pride.”

“I am impressed by the range and the scope of their work, which is undoubtedly going to continue to inspire their peers, our students and Binghamton’s alumni,” he continued.

By downloading Grubhub and linking their student account, BU students can place mobile orders at the MarketPlace, the John Arthur Café Presents: Einstein Bros. Bagels, the Hungry Bearcat, Garbanzo and the Library Tower Café. The service does not currently include food from the dining halls.

“BUDS is thrilled to have Grubhub as our new mobile ordering app!” Lori Benson, the BUDS director of marketing, wrote to Pipe Dream. “Students can skip the line and order ahead and it’s easy to link your meal plan to your account. Promotions and discounts will be available throughout the year.”

The initiative comes one year after Grubhub expanded its campus dining program to over 360 universities nationwide, including other public education institutions like the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Tampa and the University of Missouri. BU students are now part of over 4.5 million students who can use this mobile ordering option.

The average young adult orders meals through a food delivery app about twice per week, according to research published in the Journal of Community Health. High app usage may be especially common among full-time college students.

Grubhub Campus Dining claims to offer greater flexibility in how students utilize their meal plans, which makes it easier for students to obtain food while navigating busy schedules and high stress.

After connecting their student card in the app, University students are eligible for Grubhub+ Student for free until they graduate. This offer includes no delivery fees on eligible off-campus orders, lower service fees and the ability to earn 5 percent credit back on some eligible orders.

Several other changes to campus dining have also been made by BUDS, including a wider range of menu options at sit-down dining locations and food trucks. Operating hours at College-in-the-Woods Dining Hall have also been expanded to 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Local food vendors will be featured by BUDS this semester during Nite Owl hours at both Appalachian Dining Hall and Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center.

Additionally, students can now view nutritional content for meals offered at each dining hall.

“These fresh and new updates create a dining experience that is flexible, inclusive and exciting,” said Benson in a statement on the BUDS website. “Students will have access to great food and memorable experiences that connect our campus community.”

Academic Resources — Transitioning to college-level coursework can be challenging. The University offers several resources to help you excel in your coursework and have a fulfilling academic career.

Information Technology Services

Much of our work today is digital, but technology can present obstacles to completing schoolwork. The ITS Help Desk can assist students with all technology support needs. You can review their webpage’s resources for answers to common questions on printing, Wi-Fi, two-factor authentication and more, or you can submit a Help Desk Ticket for more personalized assistance.

During the fall and spring semesters, the Help Desk is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Professional and Peer Success Coaching

If you need one-on-one support to create a feasible plan for academic success, you can make appointments with success coaches. Available throughout your academic career at BU, success coaches can help devise study strategies, manage your time and break down tasks so you can meet all of your goals.

University Tutoring Services

University Tutorial Services provides free support for all students, offering peer-led group and one-on-one tutoring sessions. UTS tutoring can be utilized on a weekly basis and students are encouraged to sign up through B-Successful.

The University Downtown Center in UDC 124C also provides writing tutoring, and multilingual students can schedule an appointment with the English Language Institute. Artificial intelligence learning tools are also available.

Binghamton University Libraries

Whether you are conducting research for a class or a personal project, library staff can help you locate materials on all subjects. Consult the libraries’ “Subject Guides” or the “How to Do Library Research” guide at your leisure, or set up a one-on-one appointment with a subject librarian for further assistance.

Digital Scholarship Center

Many professors have incorporated creative projects into their classes, but it can be challenging to make your ideas a reality. The Digital Scholarship Center, a recently renovated area on the third floor of the Glenn G. Bartle Library, can provide you with resources for creative academic endeavors, including recording equipment, software for data analysis and visualization and access to experts who can help with digital projects. You can reach out for an in-person or virtual consultation.

The Speaking Center

You will likely take classes during your academic career that require public speaking, which can create anxiety if you lack experience. The Speaking Center takes a peer-led approach and assists students looking to strengthen their oral presentation skills. Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced public speaker, the staff is equipped to help you plan and prepare for your class presentation or other speaking engagement. The center is located at the Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center Student Success Center, Rooms 101A/B.

The Writing Center

If you ever struggled with narrowing down a paper topic, forming a thesis statement, finding sources or using proper academic citation styles, you are not alone. Tutors at the Writing Center, located in Library North 2411, are available by appointment Monday through Friday.

Transfer Student Success

If you are a new or returning transfer student, the Transfer Mentor Program can help you acclimate and adjust to life on campus. Lean on your assigned mentor for tips and advice on how to navigate college and make the most of your life here as a Bearcat. You can also stop by the College-in-the-Woods Library, Room 204, with questions or just to chat with transfer mentors.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Students with a diagnosed disability can request accommodations for their classes through the SSD by uploading documentation and completing a self-disclosure form. One-on-one assistance is also available for students needing support with their time management, organization, social interactions and daily living skills. To familiarize yourself with the campus and its resources before the fall semester begins, you can utilize the SSD Launch program.

Health Resources — Navigating physical and mental health challenges on your own can be daunting. Both student-run and professional services are available on campus to help you when you need it most.

Decker Student Health Services Center

The Decker Student Health Services Center offers enrolled BU students confidential care for acute illnesses and injuries, laboratory services, immunizations, psychiatric consultation and sexual wellness resources. Open on weekdays during the academic year, the center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. You can make appointments as needed by utilizing their patient portal.

Consultation, Advocacy, Referral and Education Team

Open every weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the semester, the Dean of Students’ CARE Team is available for students navigating personal issues and emergencies. A case manager will help you connect with resources to boost your well-being and ensure you feel supported in achieving your goals.

The University Counseling Center

Located at Old O’Connor 264, the Counseling Center offers individual and group counseling, same-day urgent counseling, consultations and referrals to other providers. Options for telehealth and in-person appointments are available. You can contact the center at (607) 777-2772.

The Psychological Clinic

Students seeking psychological assessment services to receive accommodations can contact the clinic at (607) 777-2103. The clinic offers individual and group therapeutic services to students on a sliding scale basis, with hours ranging from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays during the school year.

Support Empathy Empowerment Kindness
If you require after-hours mental health support, this non-emergency student-run helpline is run from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. and can be reached at (607) 777-4357. Services are available whenever classes are in session.
All students who answer calls have been trained by professionals at the University Counseling Center and the Career Development Centralized Internship Program through the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development.

Violence, Abuse and Rape Crisis Center

VARCC provides confidential services to those who have experienced physical or emotional interpersonal harm, including sexual assault, domestic violence or stalking. Professional team members provide you with resources that you might need.

You can find a Safe Space on the third floor of Old Johnson, with hours of operation between 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays or between 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can also make an appointment online or by calling (607) 777-3010.

Harpur’s Ferry

Available to provide free emergency medical services on campus, Harpur’s Ferry is a student-run nonprofit organization that runs 24/7 every day of the year. You can contact Harpur’s Ferry at (607) 777-3333 if you ever find yourself in a medical emergency.

Panelists included Fadel Abdulghany, the executive director of the Syrian Network for Human Rights; Assaad Al Achi, the president of the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression; Bassam Alahmad, the executive director of Syrians for Truth and Justice; Razan Rashidi, the executive director of The Syria Campaign; and Beth Van Schaack, a distinguished fellow at Stanford University’s Center for Human Rights and International Justice.

Maxim Pensky, a philosophy professor who serves as a co-director of I-GMAP, moderated the Zoom webinar, where interpreters gave attendees the option to listen in Arabic or English. He began by defining transitional justice, saying it requires not just “not raising risks of future violence” but also implementing policies that ensure justice for victims and accountability to perpetrators.

“It’s a tall order for any society,” Pensky said. “In the case of Syria, I think it is an exceptionally great challenge.”

Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorship over Syria ended in December 2024 after an almost 14-year-long civil war, resulting in hundreds of thousands killed and half the population displaced.

Pensky asked Rashidi to refute the idea that “Syria has neither the tolerance nor the capacity” to seek justice for victims and perpetrators. She responded, saying people from a variety of social and economic backgrounds protested the lack of accountability for their missing loved ones.

Al Achi, however, said the Syrian government has taken actions that do not reflect a commitment to transitional justice. He added that sanctions against the government hamper efforts for economic recovery, raising the risk of further violence.

Several panelists discussed the possibility of establishing a truth committee in Syria to facilitate the carrying out of justice. Van Schaack said creating a body “representative of different communities within that society” is critical to centering people at the core of transitional justice efforts.

“There are elements that exist within the current Syrian authorities that are our allies,” Al Achi said. “We should not alienate them. We should find ways to connect with them, support them and lobby with them against whatever we don’t like that the Syrian authorities are doing today.”

Abdulghany said establishing a truth commission focused on reform could be difficult, citing various logistical and ethical concerns, like documentation, selecting which victims should be given justice and time frames.

In January, 51 organizations working on transitional justice met in Damascus, Rashidi said. In 2014, The Syria Campaign, a human rights organization, was formed to support “Syria’s heroes in their struggle for freedom, justice and democracy,” according to its website.

Disinformation, misinformation and hate speech were discussed as key barriers to sharing stories and gaining momentum. Rashidi said it may be wise to partner with “nontraditional actors” in transitional justice, like journalists and those involved in arts, culture and the media, as these individuals influence public opinion and perception.

“Survivors have given testimony, many of them dozens of times — to journalists, to local civil society groups, to international organizations — but to put that into a formalized record and to have that acknowledged, I think, is something that a truth commission can do,” Van Schaack said. “Especially because we know that justice can never be comprehensive. Every victim will not have their day in court.”

According to Abdulghany, civil society actors could be key partners in the accountability process by monitoring and criticizing the actions of a transitional justice committee, while also ensuring the body reports to the media and other channels.

Pensky read a question asked by Gregory Stanton, the founding director of Genocide Watch, an organization that aims to foster “an international movement to prevent and stop genocide,” considering if a globalized civil society could bring transitional justice to Syria. Van Schaack said it was possible.

“We now have 50 years of empirical longitudinal research, plus really deep and rich case studies of individual societies, and we know that there are a number of models that are available that have different degrees of hybridization, different degrees of different ways in which mechanisms can be sequenced — and all of this can be adapted for the Syrian context, but it has to be locally driven,” Van Schaack said. “So this is where having an open dialogue with the various communities within Syria and creating a process that’s genuine and inclusive and participatory for that to happen.”

Al Achi and Alahmad said a broad swath of Syrian society must come together to shape the country’s future. Abdulghany urged for a national dialogue between groups who disagree and for involving experts in this process.

“Allow Syrians a chance to succeed,” Al Achi said. “And for Syrians to have a chance to succeed, all sanctions need to be lifted on the Syrian government.”

Nishikawa was born in Nagoya, Japan and immigrated to the United States in 1999 to become a filmmaker. He received a Master of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute.

In 2010, he helped launch the Kuala Lumpur Experimental Film, Video and Music Festival, an “independent, artist-run grassroots international festival of experimental film, video and music” in Malaysia. Three years later, he co-founded Transient Visions: Festival of the Moving Image in Johnson City. He served as a juror for film festivals across the world.

Nishikawa was internationally recognized for his work, grabbing the top prize at the 2015 Curtocircuíto International Film Festival and the 2017 Jury Award at the Hong Kong International Film Festival.

Last Friday, students, faculty and alumni hosted “Tomonari, light of a thousand stars,” a film screening and memorial in Lecture Hall 6. The event opened with remarks from Long Pham, a senior majoring in cinema, and Suheyla Noyan, a second-year master’s student studying cinema. Pham reflected on Nishikawa’s impact on the University, starting in 2001 when he double-majored in philosophy and cinema. Noyan said Nishikawa took inspiration from Ken Jacobs, an experimental filmmaker who founded the University’s Cinema Department in 1969.

They played an hourlong screening of Nishikawa’s work, featuring many films he produced over the past 20 years, including: “Apollo,” “Into the Mass,” “Tokyo-Ebisu,” “Shibuya-Tokyo,” “45 7 Broadway,” “Manhattan One Two Three Four,” “Sound of a Million Insects, Light of a Thousand Stars,” “Ten Mornings Ten Evenings and One Horizon,” “Market Street,” “Amusement Ride” and “Light, Noise, Smoke, and Light, Noise, Smoke.”

When filming, Nishikawa often used traditional analog photography instead of digital. Many of his works documented ordinary aspects of life in a way that showed an appreciation for the medium of film. He often employed unconventional methods in his pieces, like scratching film to produce distorted visuals and combining video and live performances.

After the screening, attendees were invited to share memories and stories. One alumnus said he felt “validated as an artist” when Nishikawa helped him through an award nomination process. Another speaker said a two-week study abroad program in Japan with Nishikawa began his “foray into cinema.”

Students and faculty were also able to share memories on a “gratitude wall” outside his office in CW B09.

Professor Ariana Gerstein, the cinema department’s interim chair and graduate director, said she knew Nishikawa at every step of his career.

“I saw him all the way through, through all of his promotions — everything,” said Gerstein. “For as long as I knew him, he was always the same: an incredibly thoughtful person, a person who listened, who had a wonderful sense of humor and who was incredibly determined.”

“So he thought very carefully about things, and then he was systematic,” she continued. “He would come up with an idea, and then he was systematic. It was that way when he taught, and it was that way when he worked in service for the department.”

Noyan and Pham collected notes, photos and other physical mementos from attendees as a gift to the family.

A community memorial service was also held on Sunday in LH B-89, where family members, friends, faculty, staff and former students gathered to remember Nishikawa. Attendees were encouraged to write personal messages to him before some spoke on how Nishikawa encouraged and inspired them.

“He was very magnetic,” said Pham. “And, magnetic in a way, not super imposing on people, but in a very down-to-earth, very quiet way that drew people toward him because he was a genuinely good human being.”

Debate partners Eli Turner-Louis, a senior majoring in Africana studies, and Jeremiah Cohn, a junior majoring in sociology, defeated a team from the University of Kansas to win the competition, held this year at Gonzaga University in Washington state.

“Eli and Jeremiah really worked well together as partnership,” wrote Joseph Leeson-Schatz ‘01, MA ‘03, Ph.D. ‘09, the director of debate at BU. “They knew what each other needed, how to support their research interests, and both had a fire inside to win that’s unmatched in most students I come across.”

“To win the 79th Annual National Debate Tournament twenty years after the first time Binghamton University ever qualified is really a full circle moment to show how much we’ve gotten over the past two decades,” he continued. “Whereas 20 years ago we were just happy to quality, now we’re there to win and be at the top.”

In the final round, the teams debated transitioning the United States away from fossil fuels, which is usually done with market-oriented policies like a carbon tax. Turner-Louis and Cohn argued against the Kansas team’s proposal for a luxury tax on carbon emissions by questioning underlying assumptions and potential biases, winning in a 3-2 decision.

Last spring, the debate team won the Cross-Examination Debate Association’s national championship, beating institutions like Harvard University. While winning CEDA Nationals is a feat in and of itself, the National Debate Tournament is more competitive and is considered the most prestigious debate championship at the national level.

The team puts in more than 30 hours a week of work, including research, creating arguments and holding practice debates, according to Leeson-Schatz.

“A lot of work was put into this NDT win,” Turner-Louis wrote. “It was years in the making. That said, what best contributed to my win was the small community I kept around and my coach Ryan Wash. This community was the resource I needed to keep going and growing and doing better.”

Both students shared appreciation and gratitude for Wash, a mentor of BU’s team, and each other. Cohn thanked Wash and Turner-Louis for being “incredibly supportive of my growth this year ensuring my transition from budding sophomore to junior capable of going toe to toe with seniors from other programs.”

With graduation around the corner, Turner-Louis said she hopes to be able to support others without struggling and that debate has allowed her to network with people who can “help clear that path.” She looks forward to seeing what her fellow team members will do.

Last May, State Sen. Lea Webb ‘04 and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo MA ‘84 passed a joint legislative resolution honoring last year’s team for winning the Cross-Examination Debate Association’s national championship.

Leeson-Schatz has led students in other debate opportunities this past year, bringing five students to debate a group of incarcerated individuals through the National Prison Debate League earlier this year. With about 100 inmates watching, the group debated against the Cheshire Correctional Institution’s team in a cell block in Cheshire, Connecticut.

Team members have gone on to work in fields like law, education, medicine, engineering and business, Leeson-Schatz wrote.

“Debate prepares students for whatever they want to do in life since, no matter what you do, you need to be and to advocate for yourself, critically think through information, and effectively communicate with others,” he wrote.

This decision came nearly two weeks after a hearing on April 2 to consider a grievance brought by Kristina Donders, the speaker of Congress and a junior double-majoring in mathematics and political science.

“The Judicial Board voted unanimously to hear the case because the constitutional issues presented in Donders’ grievance fell under the purview of the Board’s ability to interpret the SA Constitution and to examine the constitutionality of the conduct of Congress members,” the ruling reads. “After considering the case, the Judicial Board voted 8 to 0 that the Defendants are acting in violation of the Student Association Management Policies and Procedures.”

The decision allowed Hakim and Schlank to remain acting co-chairs of the special committee until the speaker of Congress “appoints each as co-chair of the committee by the next Congress meeting,” where the body can confirm the appointments.

The special committee was formed by a Congress vote in late January, and Hakim, a senior double-majoring in political science and Judaic studies, and Schlank, a senior majoring in psychology, were confirmed two weeks later. The grievance emerged as committee chairs are typically nonvoting members of Congress.

A resolution to allow chairs of special committees to retain their voting privileges was introduced at a hastily scheduled special meeting, after which it was tabled and ultimately passed unanimously on April 1. The SA’s E-Board vetoed the legislation the next morning, saying in a message to the campus community that it would create a “power imbalance” within the organization.

“The ruling ultimately came down to a difference in interpretation over a single sentence in our governing documents,” Hakim wrote to Pipe Dream. “I believe the ambiguity in language and conflict between 2 different clauses left room for a decision in either direction, and I’m confident that the position we put forward was both reasonable and well-supported.”

“This decision does not lessen my commitment to serving the student body,” he continued. “It was an honor to be appointed Co-Chair of the Special Committee on Select Issues and I intend to continue advocating in that role with the same energy and focus through the end of my term.”

Hakim, who had served as an off-campus representative, referenced specific policies in the governing documents to demonstrate the legality of chair members retaining voting privileges per past congressional rulings.

Donders said that committee chairs are nonvoting ex officio members of Congress, meaning they hold positions with specific privileges. She stressed the importance of maintaining a separation of powers between Congress members who make agendas and those who can vote on agenda items.

“I want to thank the Judicial Board for their time and thoughtful review,” Donders wrote to Pipe Dream following the decision. “I appreciate that due process was followed and that the rules were upheld.”

The decision referenced Hakim’s argument that there is a distinction between special committee chairs and other plenary and standing committee chairs. It stated that a committee chair’s previous voting power at the start of a term does not impact whether their voting rights must be surrendered upon becoming a committee chair.

The Judicial Board acknowledged that it had neglected to review the resolution establishing the Special Committee on Select Issues, which it said was “in part, relevant to the deliberation of this case.” While the Judicial Board agreed that in the event the body failed to review legislation before the 10-semester day period laid out in the Management Policies, it would go into effect, it can still strike parts of or whole legislation if a grievance is presented.

Two of the resolution’s clauses were then struck. One stated that two voting members of Congress will nominate the committee chair subject to confirmation by majority vote, and the other said that the “Chair of the Committee shall not be required to vacate their seat in Congress, and their chair position on the committee shall fulfill the plenary requirement for Congress members.”

The Judicial Board did not return Pipe Dream’s request for comment.

The Special Committee on Select Issues will dissolve at the end of the semester. An extension of its mandate or an effort to reform it by next year’s Congress could determine new committee leadership.

Hakim said that while they understand the ruling is final and they accept the decision, he intends to introduce legislation addressing “the ambiguity that led to this dispute.”

“My goal is to work constructively with the Board and with Congress to clarify the policies involved, incorporate some of the suggestions made in the judicial decision, and ensure that future appointments to special committees are governed by clearer, more consistent rules,” Hakim wrote. “This is about improving our institutional framework so future leaders aren’t left in the same uncertain position.”

Editor’s Note: Joseph Brugellis, the vice chief justice of the Judicial Board, is an assistant news editor. He had no part in the writing or editing of this article.

The Binghamton Student Managed Adderall Research Team, or B-SMART, and students in the clinical psychology doctoral program have conducted research on drug and substance use nationwide and on campuses. Dr. Lina Begdache, an associate professor in the Health and Wellness Studies Department and B-SMART mentor, said that college students generally believe Adderall is safe because it is a prescription medication and is widely promoted, but her research tells a different story.

“We found that Adderall use is linked to poor academic performance, higher risk of mental health issues, sleep issues and lower motivation,” Begdache wrote.

Some young adults misuse stimulants to stay awake and boost their academic performance, but many are unaware of the risks and side effects, like impaired judgment, depression, anorexia, insomnia, decreased appetite, poor diet, memory problems and hallucinations.

For college students struggling with ADHD, a trained health care professional can prescribe and monitor the use of stimulant medications like Adderall and Ritalin. However, Begdache’s research suggests there are additional risks to consider, particularly when students use substances and alcohol simultaneously.

“Some participants misused stimulant medications by combining them with alcohol, believing it would counteract alcohol’s sedative effects, which was associated with increased binge drinking and higher-risk behaviors,” Begdache wrote. “Additionally, individuals who engaged in non-medical use of ADHD medications, such as taking higher doses than prescribed, were more likely to participate in heavy drinking.”

“A common perception among participants was that ADHD medication could enhance alcohol tolerance, leading to greater alcohol intake,” she continued.

Begdache said that her results demonstrated how illicit stimulant use can often lead students to take other substances, which starts and perpetuates an addictive cycle. The addictive quality of stimulants can be pinpointed to their capacity for interfering with and introducing high levels of dopamine in the brain’s reward and pleasure pathway, strengthening an addiction through cravings, withdrawal symptoms and increased tolerance.

However, not all drugs are necessarily addictive and as detrimental to mental health as stimulants. Psychedelic and dissociative drugs, for instance, are typically used to induce temporary hallucinations, but unpleasant side effects like headaches or nausea can decrease desire to repeatedly use the drugs.

Charlie McDonald, a Ph.D. student studying clinical psychology, told Pipe Dream that his lab, the Center for Transdisciplinary Research on Intimate Relationships, recently collected a retrospective survey of psychedelic substance use in 720 BU students. Of the students surveyed, 9.4 percent said they had used psychedelics, the most frequent of which was psilocybin, or magic mushrooms, followed by LSD.

“What is a critical piece of our survey is how students’ attitudes towards psychedelics are generally either neutral or favorable, and the impact of their experiences had significant spiritual and meaningful influence on their lives,” McDonald wrote.

Over 60 percent of the sampled students either felt neutral or agreed with the statement “legalizing psychedelics would benefit public health.” Many students who used hallucinogenics said their experiences were deeply beneficial, with 40 percent claiming it was one of the most meaningful moments of their lives and another 45 said it was one of the most spiritual.

Research like McDonald’s suggests a cultural shift and changing attitudes toward the use of psychedelic drugs for therapeutic purposes. However, a general lack of understanding around the impacts of these substances across therapeutic providers remains, so research continues to be conducted.

McDonald addressed the mental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on college students, suggesting there are several ways to destress and improve resiliency.

“A fantastic first strategy is behavioral activation, which can be a critical part of building self-efficacy when someone may feel overwhelmed in the face of a stressor,” wrote McDonald. “To use this approach, select a behavior-focused goal that will enhance positive feelings. For some people, this may take the form of exercise, cooking, or starting a new hobby.”

“Another effective tool is using mindfulness exercises,” he continued. “The tagline for mindfulness is paying attention on purpose in the present moment nonjudgmentally. While this is ‘easier said than done,’ we found in our review that committing to this potentially harder practice comes with a host of benefits for reducing stress, improving resiliency, and decreasing anxiety.”

Ithaca’s Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers’ rendition of Richard Smallwood’s classic Gospel hymn “Total Praise” started the event before University President Harvey Stenger’s opening remarks. Gov. Kathy Hochul was unable to attend but sent a brief video of support, which was shown before the rest of the speakers were invited to the podium.

“I’m so proud to have secured a $400,000 grant to make this inspiring project a reality and to further ensure that Harriet Tubman’s vital work across our state is preserved,” Hochul said.

Stenger then introduced many of the speakers, including Anne Bailey, a history professor and director of the Harriet Tubman Center for Freedom and Equity; Sharon Bryant, an associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion for the Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences; SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.; Secretary of State Walter Mosley; State Sen. Lea Webb ‘04; Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo MA ‘84; Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham; and sculptor Zoe Dufour.

“In addition to this being a monument to Binghamton’s history on the path to freedom and civil rights for all Americans, I hope we see this statue and this trail as a symbol of what we can do when we work together as a community,” Stenger said. “I’m grateful that the University has such great partners in state and local government who’ve helped us make this Freedom Trail such a success to everyone in our area.”

Bryant, who also serves as associate director of the Harriet Tubman Center, thanked the event organizers before reading a poem entitled “It Only Takes One,” which she wrote for the occasion.

Stenger also welcomed Amanda Ortiz Molina, a Ph.D. candidate in the University’s History Department, to the stage. Molina spoke about her time working with the Harriet Tubman Center to produce an upcoming article entitled “Seeking Freedom in Binghamton, 1838-1862.” The project analyzes primary and secondary sources to “identify key individuals and places in Binghamton” and to situate the city’s importance within the Underground Railroad.

Undergraduate and graduate students participated in the research, with their work emerging from contributions made by Broome County historians and individuals from the Center for Anti-Slavery Studies in Montrose, Pennsylvania.

King provided similar remarks, reflecting on Harriet Tubman’s legacy and the importance of physically marking such history.

“Harriet Tubman was a hero of her time, but the question for us is, can we carry on her example, her unbreakable courage, her perseverance, her faith in the promise of justice,” King said. “Can she remain forever a timeless hero? That is up to us. I’m proud to walk this trail and mark this history alongside you today and proud to carry her torch forward with you always.”

After King received a standing ovation from the crowd, Mosley, who also serves as chair of the state’s Commission on African American History, spoke on behalf of Hochul.

He addressed some of the accomplishments New York state has made toward honoring the legacy of Black and African American trailblazers and activists. He also gave a nod to the late president of the NAACP New York State Conference, Hazel Duke, and his major role in collecting feedback from New Yorkers about the best way to create this memorial.

Webb and Lupardo spoke next, with Webb reminding the crowd that downtown’s City Hall was a stop on the Underground Railroad and that the Ku Klux Klan hosted rallies just down the street across from where Martin Luther King Jr.’s Memorial Promenade stands. Binghamton was the state headquarters for the KKK from 1923 to 1928.

Webb spoke of Tubman’s heroism and courage before leading the crowd into a call and response, stating, “I am on assignment. I will continue the legacy of Harriet Tubman.”

“Harriet Tubman carried a lantern to light the way,” Lupardo said. “She led slaves to freedom. Her lantern now serves as a timeless symbol of strength and hope to all who are overcoming their own challenges. Harriet Tubman is truly a timeless hero, someone we need now more than ever to help us keep hope alive. May we remember and be inspired by her lantern, by the light that will bring us all to a better place.”

Kraham followed with commentary about the importance of sharing these stories for generations to come so that students, residents and visitors can continue to learn about and remember it.

Statements were then read from the Tubman family, including Tubman’s great-great-grandniece, Judith Gladys Bryant, and great-great-great-grandnephew, Max Henry Fraser.

“Harriet Tubman’s legacy is deeply personal to our family, not just as an icon of freedom and justice but as our own ancestor,” Fraser wrote. “Her courage, sacrifice and relentless pursuit of equality has been a source of strength and pride for generations of our family. In a time when racism and division are once again on the rise, her life’s work feels more urgent than ever.”

“She risked everything to bring her family and others to freedom, and her spirit compels us to continue that fight today,” he continued. “Honoring her now is not just about remembering the past — it is a call to action for the present and the future. May this statue stand as a reminder that the fight for justice is never over and that like her, we must never back down.”

Dufour, who sculpted the statue of Tubman, was invited to speak on her accomplishment, saying she was “honored to have been part of this project that was made possible by this exceptional group of people.”

“Bringing this monument of Harriet Tubman to Binghamton feels especially relevant now,” Dufour said. “As said before, her story transcends time and is a reminder to hold hope hand in hand with action. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished and what this monument represents. I hope Harriet Tubman will be a destination and a touchstone for the Binghamton community and for those who want to walk the Freedom Trail.”

Bailey provided a message of gratitude for Tubman and others whose sacrifices paved the way for American freedoms today. Bailey invited Woodrow Wilson Elementary School fifth graders to partake in a visual exercise that involved passing a baton from the front of the line to the back, demonstrating passing the torch from one generation to push society forward.

The Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers, directed by Baruch Whitehead, received a standing ovation for their final song of the event, “Keep Going,” which featured Tubman’s own words.

The crowd was invited outside for the unveiling of the statue before a celebratory reception. Remarks of gratitude were again provided by Bailey and a descendant of Harriet Tubman, Michele Jones Galvin, who will return to Binghamton for a presentation in the fall. A poem entitled “Haiku and Tanka for Harriet Tubman,” written by Sonia Sanchez, was read before the unveiling.

“Picture her saying, ‘You have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world,’” read Qiana Watson ‘12. “Imagine her words, ‘Every great dream begins with a dreamer.’ Imagine her saying, ‘I freed 1,000 slaves — could have freed 1,000 more, if only they knew they were slaves.’”

Forty million dollars was awarded to the program through the 2024-25 state budget, with funding allocated by the Housing Trust Fund Corporation’s Office of Community Renewal for the Vacant Rental Improvement Program. The program supports the rehabilitation of unoccupied or uninhabitable rental spaces, aiming to boost the number of properties available for low- and moderate-income renters residing outside of New York City.

The Broome County Land Bank applied for funding last fall through the state’s Homes and Community Renewal program and was awarded $1.1 million.

“HCR was happy to award the Broome County Land Bank more than $1 million as part of our new $40 million Vacant Rental Improvement Program,” said RuthAnne Visnauskas, the New York State Homes and Community Renewal commissioner, in a press release. “We are thrilled to see them quickly put these resources to use transforming up to 20 vacant rental units throughout the County into safe, affordable places to live.”

“By launching this crucial effort, the Land Bank will revitalize neighborhoods, improve housing options, and support local property owners,” she continued. “This is a win-win for residents, landlords, and the entire community. We look forward to seeing the results.”

Renovations eligible for this program include health and safety advancements, accessibility changes, space updates to meet residential standards and fixing code violations, among other repairs that may be deemed necessary.

The Land Bank is looking for interested property owners who meet their qualifications and have vacant or otherwise unoccupied rental spaces that could benefit from funded repairs. Contractors interested in completing the renovation work are encouraged to apply.

Property owners will have the chance to select between a $50,000-per-unit standard award and a $75,000-per-unit enhanced award when applying, and those selected will be required to adhere to program obligations like maintaining taxes and utility payments.

“This program will allow new units to hit the market and upgrade our housing infrastructure to support neighborhood revitalization,” said Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham. “By activating currently vacant units, we can better utilize our existing housing stock and enhance quality of life for families. This partnership marks the latest collaboration between the City of Binghamton and Land Bank as we strive to stabilize blocks, invest in housing, and restore neighborhood integrity.”

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar ‘99 stressed the importance of the program, mentioning the large number of underutilized homes throughout the county. A 2024 Broome County Housing Needs Assessment found that the apartment vacancy rate in the county is below a healthy level, and demand is outpacing available supply.

Idea Kraft, a New York-based creative agency firm that builds award-winning brands and websites, will be assisting with the Land Bank’s community and program outreach. Applications are open through April 15 on the Land Bank’s website.

“While there are several existing homeowner repair programs in our area, this is the first opportunity to assist local private rental property owners with small grants to bring vacant, blighted units back online in an effort to increase the housing stock in our community,” said Jessica Haas, executive director of the Broome County Land Bank, in a press release. “I would like to thank New York State Homes and Community Renewal for this funding opportunity and the Land Bank is looking forward to directly assisting our community’s mom-and-pop landlords.”

Late last month, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the state offered a deal to the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association Inc. to end a strike impacting the state’s prison system. After the union rejected the deal, a new offer was made last Thursday, which included increased pay, limited mandated overtime and assured striking officers that they would not face retaliation.

The Thursday deal had proposed that a committee would review the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement, or HALT Act, to determine if some of its provisions could be modified.

The legislation puts certain restrictions in place regarding solitary confinement. Incarcerated individuals who are 21 or younger, 55 or older, disabled or pregnant cannot be placed in solitary, and confinement is limited to 15 consecutive days or 20 days in a 60-day period.

Though the union rejected this deal, the strike finally ended with an agreement on Saturday. Hochul had deployed thousands of members of the National Guard to maintain order across the prison systems.

In a Feb. 25 post on the platform X, Riley voiced his support for the striking correctional workers.

“Corrections officers have a tough job in harsh conditions with minimal resources,” Riley wrote. “Instead of helping, Albany politicians are making things even worse with half baked policies and mandates. Law enforcement, including COs, shouldn’t be collateral damage in Albany’s latest dysfunction. Let’s get these folks what they need so they can get back to work.”

Riley’s response received criticism from local activist groups, including Justice and Unity for the Southern Tier, a community organization that advocates against mass incarceration and policing. Andrew Pragacz MA ‘18, president of JUST, decried the response as a way to “score political points.”

“I don’t know who he thinks he’s trying to impress by ticking off his base and people that put him in office,” Pragacz said. “But more to the point around the HALT law and his criticism of it, he thinks that this is a political winner for him. I don’t know why, I think he’s wrong.”

Pragacz said the strike followed the killing of Robert Brooks, a 43-year-old inmate who was fatally beaten by correctional officers in December. He said Brooks’ death exemplified the “arbitrariness, some of it particularly violent” present in the prison system.

JUST, with Citizen Action New York and the Broome-Tioga chapter of the NAACP, rallied outside the Brome County office building on Tuesday to protest Brooks’ death. They demanded that the HALT Act remain implemented and called for the improvement of conditions inside the Broome County Jail.

“It is a misconception that justice-involved individuals deserve the treatment they receive, because the truth is that ALL people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” the NAACP said in a statement addressing the rally. “Inhumane treatment should never be regarded as the cost for a second chance.”

Correctional officers and sergeants at 36 of the state’s 42 prisons had refused to report to work. However, this strike, per New York’s Taylor Law, is not approved by the correction officers’ union.

“My top priority is the safety of all New Yorkers, and for the past 11 days, I have deployed every possible State resource to protect the well-being of correction officers, the incarcerated population and local communities across New York,” Hochul told the Associated Press. Her office did not return Pipe Dream’s request for comment.

The state, according to several media reports, fired around 2,000 prison guards who refused to return to work following the strike’s end.

Since the HALT Act’s 2022 implementation, assaults on prison staff increased by over 40 percent. This led to difficulties in recruiting new prison guards to counter the rapid turnover of those quitting. Supporters of the reform suggest that the law helps stop some abuse facing incarcerated people, like 23-hour periods of solitary confinement for minor offenses.

When reached for comment, Riley’s office directed Pipe Dream to his social media statements. In another X post on March 2, Riley said he joined the strikers on the picket line “to support them and to listen to them.”

“They want the prison to be safer for everybody: prisoners, visitors, and their fellow officers,” Riley wrote in the post. “I want that for them, too. But right now, they’re not getting the respect they’ve earned, and they’re being asked to do too much with too little while facing unrealistic mandates out of Albany.”

“Above all, we strive to provide a sense of community, even family to our participants,” wrote Steve Rebello, the senior director of Student Support Services and Upward Bound. “While our staff offers professional guidance, we also encourage students to uplift and support one another, creating a network of resilience and success. National TRIO Day is a celebration of that spirit, students overcoming obstacles, achieving their dreams, and proving that TRIO works!”

Federally funded by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, TRIO has helped students over the past six decades “overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education,” the program’s website reads.

Five programs at BU fall under TRIO: Student Support Services, the McNair Scholars Program, Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science. In addition to supporting high school students preparing for college, they assist qualified college students with ongoing academic, professional, financial and personal concerns, including those looking to pursue a graduate degree.

“Since my first year here, the biggest thing [is] community — and that will make or break your college experience,” Arifin Chowdhury, a TRIO mentor and junior majoring in biomedical engineering, told WBNG. “TRIO provided me with that experience, with the family experience, with the help I needed and the support I needed away from home. It’s basically my home away from home.”

TRIO began as three core programs at fewer than 1,000 project sites, expanding over the years to eight programs with approximately 3,000 sites across the United States. More than 875,000 low-income students, ranging from middle school through adult education, participate in TRIO programs, according to the Council for Opportunity in Education.

While making college more affordable, TRIO programs also shorten the time it would otherwise take for disadvantaged students to complete a degree. Compared to non-TRIO peers from similar backgrounds, students enrolled in TRIO programs are 47 percent more likely after four years of college to attain an associate’s degree or transfer to a four-year institution, and after six years of college, 18 percent more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Since TRIO programs are federally funded, President Donald Trump’s recent freeze on all federal grants and loans across the country renders the future funding of TRIO programs uncertain. The removal of such funds could impact students who benefit from the services.

“We are determined as a state to continue fully funding programs like TRIO despite what may happen federally,” Webb told WBNG.

BU was designated a First-Gen Forward Institution in 2021, with 20 to 30 percent of the student population first-generation, many of whom might have been eligible for or participated in TRIO programs.

Building a community network can be crucial for students pursuing higher education, as it allows them to lean on a strong support system during challenging times and ask questions regarding academic and personal growth. An MIT Teaching and Learning Lab study found that a student’s sense of belonging can improve their academic outcomes, increase continuing enrollment and serve as a protective factor for mental health.

“These programs are vital in supporting low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and those with disabilities,” Riley wrote in an Instagram post the day of the celebration. “Together, we can and will empower every student to succeed.”

Over the decades, the organization has evolved into a space for Korean American students to express both their cultural heritage and spiritual identities and is only continuing to grow in its size and cultural diversity.

“While we retain the K(orean-American) in KCF to give homage to our cultural roots, we find beauty in accepting people from all cultural backgrounds to partake in the unity of loving God together,” Mina Lone, the president of KCF and junior majoring in psychology, wrote to Pipe Dream.

BU is home to several Christian organizations, including the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and the Campus Bible Fellowship, which creates a unique ability to collaborate. Specifically, the Korean Baptist Church of Binghamton has needed guest speakers since its search for a new head pastor began, prompting Chaplain Dave Mayner of the Campus Bible Fellowship to volunteer to organize a rotating weekly schedule of local pastors who could serve as temporary speakers.

Bible study leaders currently offering guidance and support include Mayner, Pastor Devon Bartholomew, Pastor Joel Garrison, Pastor Scott Roloson, Pastor Tim Dodd and the Deacon Steering Committee. In addition to working closely with these local religious leaders, KCF collaborates with the Baptist church to provide students with resources and mentorship that help them grow in and live out their faith.

“It’s not a national group — they are specific to Binghamton University,” Mayner said. “They used to not be as tied in with the church, and I kind of encouraged them to get tied in so they’d have some adult oversight.”

Students who need transportation to the Sunday worship services at the church, located at 901 Murray Hill Road, can catch a free van ride from various locations on campus, including near the bus stop by Catskill Hall (12:40 p.m.); Lot L next to Cleveland Hall (12:42 p.m.); the Susquehanna shuttle stop (12:45 p.m.); at the Mountainview College shuttle stop (12:48 p.m.); and by the main entrance of Mohawk Hall facing the University Union (1:00 p.m.). Although the church also offers Sunday services in Korean, the English Ministry worship service for students begins at 1:30 p.m.

Those looking to get involved throughout the week can find weekly prayer nights in Lecture Hall 14 on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. and bible studies every Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. in Classroom Wing 211.

“KCF seeks to be an organization that challenges its students not only in their internal faith, but to also put their faith into action by sharing the love and goodness of God on campus,” Lone wrote. “We welcome all, whether you are an established Christian or someone who is curious to know more about what we believe in.”

KCF will be hosting its largest outreach event of the year, Living Water on March 2 at 6 p.m. in the Mandela Room, with John 7:37-38 as the guiding verse. The event will feature performances, a short sermon and a Q&A to share the Gospel, and last year, the organization saw over 100 attendees.

“Please join us if you’re interested in hearing about how Jesus Christ is not simply a concept, but is the living God who loves and invites everyone to experience the beauty of living life with a purpose and a hope,” Lone wrote.

Originally introduced in early December by Nate Hotchkiss ‘12, a Democrat representing the fourth district, the law would protect Binghamton tenants from retaliatory or unjustified evictions, prevent rent increases of over 10 percent and allow for lease renewals if renters are not in violation of their contracts or missing payments. The vote was held back on Jan. 29 to add amendments and to “move it forward quickly,” eliminating the 60-day period when the law takes effect, according to reporting from the Press and Sun-Bulletin.

In the weeks leading up to this vote, community members, including tenants, landlords and students, have shared their voices at town halls and the City Council’s business meetings. Rebecca Rathmell, a longtime housing justice advocate elected to represent the council’s sixth district, said there was an urgent need to pass the legislation and address the city’s housing crisis.

“City leadership has been ‘forming committees’ and ‘commissioning task forces’ to discuss local housing inequities for over a decade, yet almost 2,000 individuals — including over 700 families with children — faced homelessness in Broome County last year,” Rathmell said in a press release. “‘Pressing pause’ on this legislation is the kind of inaction that got us here. It will not get us out.”

The first amendment added to Binghamton’s version of the law more specifically defines the term “nuisance” as either public or private, and the second expands on the phrase “withdraw from the housing rental market,” meaning houses undergoing significant repairs or improvements would be removed temporarily from the market.

A Good Cause Eviction law passed in a state budget and took effect in April 2024 in New York City, intending to protect tenants from unreasonable rent increases and eviction. Municipalities throughout the state can pass a local law to opt into the legislation. Landlords can still evict tenants for “good cause” under the law, like not paying rent.

In a press release sent shortly after the vote, Binghamton Mayor Jared M. Kraham said the council “has left serious questions about the law’s implementation and impact unresolved.”

“Binghamton has made real progress on housing in recent years, with my administration leading the way in cutting red tape around construction, prosecuting slumlords and investing in neighborhoods,” Kraham said in a press release after the vote. “Bringing NYC-style housing regulations to Binghamton will backfire, pushing out good landlords who are providing quality housing to families, discouraging investment in rental properties and hurting the very people this legislation intends to help.”

At the time of introduction, the Binghamton Chamber of Commerce also expressed concerns about the law. In an email obtained by Pipe Dream, they argued that the law would have harsh consequences for property owners and landlords.

By passing this law, Binghamton joins several other municipalities throughout the state that have opted into the law, including Albany, Kingston, Ithaca, Poughkeepsie, Beacon, Newburgh, Nyack, Hudson, New Paltz, Rochester, Fishkill, Catskill and Croton-on-Hudson.

“This is an important and necessary protection to bring tenants in Binghamton,” Hotchkiss wrote to Pipe Dream. “I’m thrilled that the City Council has given their unanimous support to Good Cause as a clear demonstration of our commitment to addressing our growing housing crisis. I strongly encourage the Mayor to move quickly and sign this into law.”

Research by Trevor J. Fornara ‘23 found that a shortage in affordable housing in the Binghamton area has been ongoing for over two decades. According to the Stakeholders of Broome County, a housing advocacy coalition, roughly 17 affordable housing units are available for every 100 low-income renters.

“It’s a law that will clearly and demonstrably help thousands of Binghamton residents, and it’s long overdue,” said John Ferrara, a junior double-majoring in Italian and biology, at the Jan. 29 meeting.

Limited markets could force those with the lowest incomes to rent substandard housing units, potentially exposing them to health and safety risks, possibilities of overcrowding and an inability to build long-lasting social connections within a neighborhood.

“To be on the forefront of a new law and have progressive thinking is something that this city has needed for a long time,” said City Council President Michael J. Dundon at Wednesday’s meeting. “The status quo that’s been going on has failed this city for decades.”

Jeff Yass ‘79, who earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics, is a founder of the Susquehanna International Group, a trading firm reported to have a significant financial stake in ByteDance. Yass’ personal shares are estimated to be worth in the tens of billions. Pipe Dream was unable to reach Yass for this story.

The wealthiest person in Pennsylvania, Yass is thought to have influenced President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order in his first term expressing concern at TikTok’s Chinese ownership. The order, which prohibited transactions between Americans and ByteDance, was later blocked by a federal judge, and Trump’s successor, Joe Biden, revoked it in 2021.
“At this time, action must be taken to address the threat posed by one mobile application in particular, TikTok,” the executive order, issued on Aug. 6, 2020, read.

In March 2024, Trump appeared to switch his position only days after he met with Yass, according to reporting from The New York Times. Trump has denied these claims, saying the two discussed education, not TikTok.

“He is truly a libertarian,” Frayda Levin, who is familiar with Yass, told Reuters. “His main interest is promoting school choice. That’s what motivates Jeff.”

At the time, a bipartisan initiative to confront TikTok was coming together in the halls of Congress. On March 13, 2024, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives voted 352 to 65 to force divestment with the threat of an American ban. After the Senate approved the legislation not long after, Biden signed it on April 23.

On the first day of his second term, however, Trump signed an executive order ordering his attorney general to not enforce the TikTok ban for 75 days.

Yass, and his wife Janine, donated around $95 million to conservative outside funding groups in the 2024 election cycle, according to a report from the nonprofit OpenSecrets.

“I’ve supported libertarian and free market principles my entire adult life,” Yass told The Wall Street Journal in 2023. “TikTok is about free speech and innovation, the epitome of libertarian and free market ideals. The idea of banning TikTok is an anathema to everything I believe.”

A recent survey of nearly 1,000 undergraduate students revealed that nearly 75 percent of those polled use TikTok at least a few times a month, and almost half use TikTok daily. Thirty percent of the app’s regular users believe that a ban would negatively impact their grades, and 45 percent that it would harm their mental health.

The University has its own TikTok account, with more than 13,600 followers and nearly one million likes to date. From welcoming new students, touring the campus and dorms, highlighting events and sharing student opinions, the account is run largely by a team of students.

After TikTok was restored in the United States, the company released a statement crediting Trump’s promise to allow the return of U.S. access.

“We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive,” they wrote. “We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”

The department has been awarded nearly $11 million in federal grants that will be used to purchase and add 13 full-battery electric buses to its fleet. The new solar battery-powered buses will replace older models in use. Despite costing more than traditional, diesel-fueled buses, these new electric buses will be entirely federally funded and will not cost local taxpayers additional funds.

“I’m really glad that the Broome County Department of Public Transportation is introducing electric buses to the community,” wrote Roshan Patel, a senior majoring in psychology at Binghamton University. “With the growing climate crisis, it’s important to look for better and more efficient alternatives to fossil fuel sources, and these buses would do exactly that. The federal grants assistance in helping offset the cost to the county I believe would undoubtedly prove beneficial in the long run.”

Greg Kilmer, the commissioner of the Broome County Department of Public Transportation and an executive board member of the New York Public Transit Association, shared in an interview with Pipe Dream that local public transportation provides more than two million rides annually, running up to 18 hours each day. These services benefit longtime community members and University students, faculty and staff, for whom Broome County Transit buses are free if they scan an active University-issued ID card.

Kilmer worked at Cornell University for 15 years, where he applied research to alternative fuel programs. He advises New York state and other NYPTA members on adopting alternative fuel options.

“We applied for a couple of federal ‘Low No’ grants — Low- or No-Emission vehicle grants — that were competitive, and we were able to win an award that allowed us to get started in the electrification,” Kilmer said. “With that first grant award, we were awarded six full-battery electric buses and charging infrastructure, as well as consulting services [and] engineering services to help us plan a strategic adoption of electric vehicles. We’ve applied several times, and a couple years later, we got an even larger grant award. The second grant award is going to afford us seven additional full-battery electric buses for a total of 13.”

According to the Federal Transit Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Low- or No-Emission Grant Program provides funding to purchase or lease zero-emission and low-emission transit buses. Grantees can also use the funds to acquire, construct and lease support facilities for recharging, refueling and related maintenance.

A collection of solar panels will be added to the existing transit center on Old Mill Road in Vestal, which will generate electricity to run the chargers and capture energy in a battery storage system. These plans will “add resiliency to the grid” and the department’s ability to operate during power outages. The hope, Kilmer said, is to have the charging infrastructure in place by 2027.

Despite initial supply chain delays, the county now has production dates and a plan for how the buses will arrive. They will be made in California this July and driven across the country, following a route with charging infrastructure in place. Thousands of electric vehicle charging stations are available throughout the United States, according to the Department of Energy, and additional federal grant funding will expand the country’s electric vehicle charging network.

Nearby cities like Albany, Rochester and Buffalo have successfully implemented electric battery programs. Given this progress, Kilmer remained optimistic that the county will be able to integrate electric buses into its fleet.

“We’ve been operating hybrid electric buses for several years, including on BU’s campus,” Kilmer said. “So when we drive our buses — our hybrid buses on BU’s campus — we use geofencing, which shuts the buses off automatically and they go in full electric mode, and that makes them quieter and reduces the emission output, particularly on campus. So we’re experienced with running buses that are at least electric in part, and we think that these are going to be quite successful for us.”

An average transit bus can hold around 40 riders, leading to fewer miles driven in personal vehicles and carbon emissions per passenger annually. As a result, communities that value their public transit systems can lower their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

“I think you’re going to find that people like transit and other delivery-type of industries — even private commuters that are adopting electric vehicles — this is going to give the industry the momentum it needs, and ultimately, I think you’re going to see a lot of spillover effect from the technology and what we’ve learned in doing this,” Kilmer said.

Formerly known as Avenue Antique Art Galleries, Finders Keeperz is located at 114 Washington Ave. in neighboring Endicott. The family-run business hosts 30 local vendors with different styles and offerings. From everyday practical items like kitchenware and clothing to electronics and antique items, the merchandise is varied and unique across the three floors. Finders Keeperz also maintains designated store sections — including a full library on their third floor and a bargain area on the first floor where everything costs $10 or less.

“This is a great place to find those one-of-a-kind items and pretty much anything else you might be looking for, anywhere from new items to antiques and everything in between,” posted Stack Pro, a local guide in a Google review. “There are three floors to explore and find what you’ve been looking for. Even if you’re not set on what it is you want, you should visit and take a look — there are some great finds to enjoy just seeing.”

Finders Keeperz features many independent vendors, including The Velveteen Vulture, which was started in 2021 by Nicole Brown and her lifelong friend, Tara. Since then, it has grown into various locations throughout the community, including the antique mall.

“A mutual love of vintage, oddities, and a passion for sustainability became a business that helps prolong the lifespan of well-made elements of our past,” Brown wrote. “This allows us to offer uncommon merchandise in unique styles that we hope you love as much as we do. We specialize in vintage clothing, art, ephemera, kitchenware, and wonderfully weird stuff.”

Pipe Dream was unable to reach the owner of Finderz Keeperz, Pam, for comment.

The antique mall had its grand opening event just over five years ago in September 2019, including 50-50 raffles, door prizes, snacks, refreshments and bargain sales. Since its opening, Finders Keeperz has hosted open houses with themes including Holiday, Spring Fling and Applefest — an annual event held during the Village of Endicott’s Apple Fest. Shoppers can win treats and prizes and take advantage of numerous sales during these events.

Finders Keeperz has almost 900 followers on Facebook and has received several public recommendations from various shoppers, including one that said that the store has “great prices” and is “a delight for your senses,” giving the customer service a five-star rating. Another said the antique store is the first place they check whenever they need a prop and that they have found various items for their home and business.

Consumers choose to shop at antique malls for various reasons, including to find various unique items at budget-friendly prices under one roof and to support local businesses.

“Seeking out our extensive secondhand community through the Triple Cities is an easy way to stay within your budget while still maintaining your own stylish individuality,” Brown wrote. “Our area offers multiple small businesses, run by our neighbors, that help to keep our dollars fueling our local economy.”

Other reasons to buy from antique vendors include sustainability, high-quality craftsmanship and the endless variety of items. Many secondhand items, often crafted with more durable material, would otherwise be sent to landfills. By purchasing these items, shoppers give them a second life.

First-time antique shoppers can go in with an idea of what to look for but can also be creative with how items could be repurposed. Every booth is packed with vintage items, so patrons should make sure to look everywhere, from the floor to the often-overlooked top shelves. Experienced shoppers may also be able to help newer buyers navigate the floors for good deals.

Finders Keeperz is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

“I had a wonderful time shopping in this unique antique store with truly fair prices,” wrote Leesa Sage, a local reviewer. “The owners are absolutely wonderful and treat you like every customer is valuable. It was a very great shopping trip and I will definitely be back and recommend it highly.”

The proposal, announced during her annual “State of the State Address,” would make select SUNY and CUNY degree programs free for adults aged 25 to 55, including nursing, education, technology and engineering. The state would also cover tuition, books and other program fees and offer additional support to help adult students connect to job opportunities.

“SUNY’s community colleges are engines of economic mobility and Governor Hochul’s proposal for a tuition-free community college education will help connect more working-age New Yorkers to college degrees and economic opportunity,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “SUNY provides an excellent education and a path to job opportunities in fields as varied as advanced manufacturing, health care, cybersecurity and green technology, and we are thrilled with the Governor’s commitment to community colleges.”

Across the United States, SUNY is the largest integrated system of public higher education, with over 95 percent of New York state residents living within 30 miles of a SUNY college or university. Serving approximately 1.4 million students, the SUNY system oversees about 25 percent of all academic research in the state, and there are over three million SUNY alumni around the world.

“We are grateful that Governor Hochul recognizes the essential role community colleges like SUNY Broome play in providing relevant job training in critical industries, like healthcare, education, and manufacturing,” wrote Tony Hawkins, the president of SUNY Broome Community College. “We are hopeful that this proposal passes, knowing it will open doors to college degrees and high-demand careers for many adult learners in the Southern Tier.”

SUNY Broome is just one of 64 SUNY higher-education campuses. As of 2024, the college has been ranked No. 2 among the best community colleges in New York, according to an EDSmart ranking, which considered cost-effectiveness, learner fulfillment, affordability and educational achievement.

Other campus leaders like Carol Ross-Scott, the vice president for student development and chief diversity officer at SUNY Broome, are also optimistic about Hochul’s proposal. As someone who has publicly shared her struggles progressing through higher education, Ross-Scott has built a career helping others get through college.

“Whenever somebody says they’re going to give free college tuition, that’s a good thing, and for everybody involved,” Ross-Scott said. “But I think what makes this so special is because we’re talking about a group of students that’s often forgotten in higher ed.”

Post-secondary enrollment statistics in New York, prepared in 2022 by the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, show a 26 percent decline in the number of enrolled undergraduate students aged 25 or older at four-year institutions since 2011, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the 2021 Educational Attainment and American Community Survey, there are more than two million adults aged 25 or older in New York without a degree who have attended college.

“When you take away the variable that has to do with paying for college, because that’s a make or break variable for anybody attending, but particularly for adults — if you can take away that variable, that’s one less thing that adults have to worry about,” Ross-Scott said.

Despite declines in college enrollment over the past several years, Gallup and Lumina Foundation’s State of Higher Education 2024 report suggests that adults’ desires to pursue higher education are at an all-time high. Regardless of great levels of interest, financial barriers are the top reasons why adults choose not to enroll in or continue their higher education.

Ross-Scott said the proposal reinforces the goals of community colleges, meant to “meet the educational needs of anybody who walks through the door.”

“I think we’re primed for it,” Ross-Scott said. “I think I know that we’re very excited about it, because there are a lot of adults who want to pivot and change their path and do something that will really support themselves and their families. And so, this is an opportunity that we absolutely have to take advantage of. And I’m really happy that Governor Hochul has publicly given the community colleges a boost.”

Hochul’s proposal credits a successful free community college program that was introduced in 2023 for adults aged 25 and older in the state of Massachusetts. This proposal also comes after many previous efforts from the governor to reduce barriers for those interested in attending college in New York state.

“I think that for people who want to take that leap of faith — trust it,” Ross-Scott said. “Trust your gut, and know that we’re here to support you.”

“This marks an exciting milestone for our team as we inaugurate a facility that emphasizes technological innovation in support of the circular economy,” wrote Annamarie Chironis ‘24, Bridge Green Upcycle’s commercial and strategy analyst. “Beyond advancing domestic supply chain resilience, our mission includes creating green-collar jobs for the Broome County community.”

Before the event began, professionals from various community organizations enjoyed hors d’oeuvres during a networking session.

Iyer, the company’s founder, opened the event with a 10-minute speech. He welcomed visitors with gratitude before sharing a brief story about Mahatma Gandhi, describing a moment when Gandhi told his professor he would take a bag of money rather than a bag of wisdom because “everyone takes what they don’t have.” He drew a parallel between this story and how life as an entrepreneur is not about wishing for things, but about creating and building a business around the things you want.

“Today we use batteries like the way we use oil, but that’s not how it’s going to be 20 years from today,” Iyer said. “Effectively, this might be a small gathering of important people, but we’re not just starting a business, we are starting a movement. I truly, firmly believe that we are starting a movement of how we are going to extract critical minerals in this country so that we don’t treat batteries like the way we treat oil.”

He described Bridge Green’s focus on technological advancements and improvements to make changes in cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways. On the company’s website, Bridge Green touts cutting-edge digital and material technologies to revolutionize clean energy by upcycling lithium-ion batteries. The technology they have developed is driven by a commitment to lessen the battery disposal process’ environmental impact to conserve essential mineral resources and to reduce dependency on mining activities for raw materials, the website says.

“I want to just say that none of this is possible without the amazing support of a lot of people that are here,” Iyer said. “I really, truly believe that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a big change that can help not only this region and this country, but also the planet.”

Jennifer Lupo ‘94, the vice president of energy solutions, supply chain and leasing at The Raymond Corporation, was then invited to speak as a Bridge Green partner. She started by sharing Binghamton’s 2023 designation by the federal government as a hub for battery innovation.

A coalition led by the University, the New Energy New York project received this Regional Tech Hub designation from the Biden-Harris administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. This was established to spur job creation and innovation in the region by strengthening this area’s capacity for creating, selling and utilizing competitive technology.

Lupo said BU continues to earn recognition and funding for battery research and development through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge award, received in September 2022, and the National Science Foundation Engines award.

“Lithium-ion batteries are the once-in-a-generation technology opportunity we have to embrace,” Lupo said. “I have long said, ‘Why not this opportunity for New York? Why not this opportunity for Binghamton?’ The Southern Tier has been perfectly positioned both at the regional and federal levels to seize this opportunity to our benefit.”

After Lupo described Bridge Green’s unique process for sustainably maximizing the reclamation of minerals and thanked the company for choosing the Southern Tier, another speaker, Bahgat Sammakia, a SUNY distinguished professor of mechanical engineering and the vice president for research at Binghamton University, was welcomed to the stage.

“I know for a fact that lithium is going to be the way to go for many years to come,” Sammakia said. “In the future, it may change, but for many years to come we have a generation of lithium batteries that we have to deal with, and recycling becomes a critical element. It’s not just about manufacturing batteries and then throwing them in a wasteland. It’s about how to make even lithium-ion batteries sustainable.”

Sammakia offered his support, restated his dedication and commitment to batteries and referenced the ongoing Build Back Better challenge and the NSF Engine award as additional sources of support for Bridge Green’s pioneering efforts.

Patrick Doyle from the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce was then introduced as the fourth speaker. He offered support and congratulations to Iyer and Bridge Green on behalf of the agency and reiterated their partnerships with BU and the Raymond Corporation.

Iyer offered a closing statement and expressed gratitude to the community partners and local businesses involved in the grand opening. Mark Poliks, a SUNY distinguished professor and the director of the Center for Advanced Microelectronics Manufacturing was invited up alongside Rachael Cornick, Bridge Green’s vice president of operations and an adjunct professor at BU, for a ribbon-cutting to mark the momentous occasion.

Visitors were then split into groups of four and guided through an Infinity Lab tour. Various members of the company’s leadership team and community partners then provided detailed accounts of the processes involved at each workstation, including how they monitor battery health, innovate second-life battery usage and extract high-grade black mass and other high-purity precursor materials.

“What I want to say is that it’s not enough to be successful alone,” Iyer said. “It’s important to be making sure that you’re bringing a lot of people along.”

Held on Monday in the University Union, Executive Board members from both organizations co-facilitated a presentation on how interpersonal violence affects queer partnerships. Those in attendance also participated in a discussion surrounding these issues, and resources for those struggling with domestic violence were promoted.

“Through the DOVE collaboration with RPU, our organization wishes to shed light on issues of intimate partner violence within the queer community, a topic that is commonly overlooked and undereducated on,” wrote Sarah Lydon, the president of DOVE, vice president of RPU and a senior majoring in philosophy, politics and law. “We are holding a presentation surrounding these issues, and how to break down the stigma of discussing domestic violence within the LGBTQ+ community so that people can protect themselves and their friends. We hope to provide a safe space where people can share their experiences, as well as decompress and decorate journals.”

The presentation began with presenters highlighting broader definitions and statistical findings about domestic violence in the United States. According to Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Intervention Services, domestic violence — or interpersonal violence — includes willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault and other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power. This can include sexual, emotional, economic, physical, verbal and psychological abuse.

Research has shown that rates of interpersonal violence among LGBTQ+ college students are as high as 50 percent and are nine times greater among transgender students compared to their cisgender peers. According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, more than half of transgender and nonbinary individuals have experienced some form of interpersonal violence during their lifetime.

Organizers described how myths surrounding domestic violence in queer relationships are perpetuated over time. One of the biggest factors they discussed was stigma, as some hold the belief that LGBTQ+ relationships cannot be abusive or that interpersonal violence is only perpetuated by cisgender men against cisgender women. LGBTQ+ individuals may also feel unsafe reporting their experiences of violence to authorities due to the possibility that they would not be believed or taken seriously.

The presenters then asked attendees to participate in a broader discussion about how to break the stigma around interpersonal violence in queer communities. Responses included having more representation in the media, creating spaces for more conversations about queer partnerships and different relationship dynamics in general and initiating communication between cisgender and queer individuals.

The speakers wrapped up the discussion by sharing resources for individuals facing interpersonal violence situations, including the student-run SEEK hotline — a nonemergency helpline that can be reached at (607) 777-4357 between 7 to 10 p.m. while dorms are open — and the Violence, Abuse and Rape Crisis Center in Old Johnson Hall, which allows individuals who have experienced interpersonal violence to speak with others and use therapeutic craft supplies and computer-based healing software in a relaxed atmosphere. Local resources include the Crime Victims Assistance Center — reachable at (607) 722-4256 — which provides 24-hour support through its crisis hotline and short-term counseling and advocacy services.

“I thought that this [event] was a good idea to kind of help educate people, but also provide them [with] some resources at the end, because there are a lot of resources on Binghamton’s campus that I didn’t even know about, but through this club, have learned a lot about them,” Lydon said. “Especially CVAC and VARCC, these are great resources that people are not really exposed to, they’re not spoken about on campus tours, they’re not spoken about by the school itself. So it’s like they’re kind of hidden, which is a big problem when it comes to seeking help because people are reluctant in the first place, but then especially when they are not easily accessible, then that’s another hurdle.”

For students interested in getting involved, DOVE meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., with an internship position opening in the spring. RPU plans to revitalize its presence on campus to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ students looking to express themselves politically, creatively and socially through a variety of campus activities. Students are encouraged to remain on the lookout for RPU events.

Craft supplies and free journals were supplied, and space was provided to continue the discussion and casually chat about other subjects.

“I think it’s really cool that there’s organizations like RPU and like DOVE that are putting in the work to spread awareness and try to really reach everybody that they possibly can on campus, give them the resources, the community and the space and the people that they need, as it’s kind of hard to find that,” said Leora Eisenberger, RPU’s marketing director and a senior majoring in history.

Election Day is quickly approaching. With just under two weeks to go, the Nov. 5 general election will determine the outcomes of a critical presidential race, the contentious battle for New York’s 19th Congressional District and other competitive local races. All voters are encouraged to stay up-to-date on their registration status, different voting options, polling locations and what to expect on the ballot. Here are some resources that can help you register to vote, find candidate information, stay on top of important deadlines and secure your polling place.

Center for Civic Engagement

The Center for Civic Engagement provides students with resources and opportunities to promote community and political engagement. Through a collaboration with the Broome County Board of Elections and the Andrew Goodman Foundation’s Vote Everywhere Initiative, the center has developed a program to help students become informed voters and engaged in the community. To reach the center’s staff, students may visit the office in University Union 137, email cce@binghamton.edu or call 607-777-4287.

The Andrew Goodman Foundation

The Andrew Goodman Foundation is an organization dedicated to uplifting young people’s voices in politics. Collaborating with colleges and universities across the country, the foundation provides grants for higher-education institutions and student organizations to promote civic engagement. Their voting portal has links to important election deadlines, voting plans and a list of issues on the ballot.

Board of Elections

Operated by a bipartisan staff, the Broome County Board of Elections conducts all election operations in the county. Officials from the Board of Elections can answer questions at 607-778-2172 or in-person at 60 Hawley St. in Binghamton. The New York State Board of Elections, which oversees all election-related laws, has additional voter information on their website.

Voting Registration Information

College students who are 18 years old can choose to register with their home address, their on-campus address or their off-campus address. To register online, visit the New York voter registration portal. To register in person, you can do so at your county board of elections, at any New York state agency-based voter registration center or at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Students who previously registered while living on campus but now live at an off-campus residence should update their registration using their current address. For those who register with their home — outside of Broome County — but know in advance that they cannot make it home to vote in person, requesting an absentee ballot will be necessary.

Deadlines to Know

Those uncertain about their voter registration status can find out here. Saturday, Oct. 26 is the last day to register to vote.

Once you are registered, there are several options for casting a vote. Any registered voter in New York state can vote early by submitting an early mail ballot. These ballot requests must be received online or by mail at your local board of elections by Oct. 26, or by Nov. 4 if applying in person. Those who plan to vote via absentee ballot must also submit an absentee ballot request through the mail by Oct. 26 or apply in person by Nov. 4.

Polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Election Day. For those not voting in person at a designated polling site on Election Day, opting instead to submit an absentee or early mail ballot, Nov. 5 is the last day to postmark ballots.

Polling Locations to Know

Those registered with their on-campus address can vote in the University Union’s Mandela Room on Election Day. Students who live off campus can vote at designated polling site near their residence.

Early voting begins Saturday, Oct. 26 and ends Sunday, Nov. 3. The Center for Civic Engagement will offer free shuttles to Broome County early voting sites on Saturday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Nov. 2 — in collaboration with the Lambda Zeta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. — from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The shuttle will pick up and return early voters at the Union bus stop approximately every 30 minutes, with a final return to the Union by 4 p.m. on Nov. 2 and 5 p.m. on Oct. 26. However, general early voting will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday throughout that week.

Candidate Information

Just as important as key dates and locations for voting is information on the candidates who will appear on the ballot. Details about candidates running at the federal, state, local and judicial levels can be found after entering your address here. This website offers information about what is expected of the candidates elected to each of these positions and key details about each candidate’s background and stances on various issues. Doing some research before submitting your ballot can help you to be an informed voter.

More information about candidates running on the federal, state, county or local level can be found on the Center for Civic Engagement’s website.

Located at 530 State St. in the city’s North Side, the $12.2 million project will produce five single units and five double units that are fully furnished and ADA-accessible, meaning that disabled individuals will have equitable access to the same services, resources, programs and areas as individuals without disabilities. The tiny homes — first of their kind in Broome County — will be two different sizes, with the smaller and larger homes totaling 831 and 965 square feet respectively.

Alongside the units, a core component of the project is the development of a two-story, 13,000 square feet Veterans Resource Center, a community space where veterans can receive food, educational and fellowship opportunities and spend time in a community garden. This space is being constructed to serve more than 10,000 veterans residing in Broome County.

“The central feature of the project consist[s] of a Veteran’s Resource Center where my agency, the Broome County Veteran’s Service Agency, along with the [Southern Tier] Veterans Support Group, and ClearPathForVeterans will cohabitate,” Brian Vojtisek, Broome County’s veterans director, wrote in an email. “In addition, the plan is to include building ten housing units, five singles and five doubles. This will provide safe, permanent residences for veterans who are on the verge of homelessness or lack stable housing.”

Tiny homes offer several advantages, like increased flexibility and mobility. Most tiny homes are also environmentally friendly — they have a smaller carbon footprint compared to the average home because they are built with sustainable materials, create less waste and consume fewer resources.

One of the most notable benefits of tiny home living is that they are significantly more affordable and cost-effective than traditional homes, which in the United States cost on average around $412,300. The average cost of a tiny home is between $30,000 and $60,000.

“One of the challenges facing some veterans is finding affordable housing,” Paul Stroud, Binghamton University’s director of veteran and military services, wrote in an email. “This project helps meet that challenge and will benefit the men and women who have faithfully served this country.”

Soldier On, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization committed to ending veteran homelessness, will be offering property and case management services at the site. Case managers will develop individualized service plans that accommodates the needs and goals of each veteran.

“Soldier On is thrilled to have been selected by Broome County to provide supportive services for the veterans who will live in the 10 tiny homes at the, soon to be completed, Veteran Resource Center in Binghamton,” Bruce Buckley, the organization’s chief executive officer, wrote in an email.

On top of offering opportunities for skill-building, Soldier On incorporates full-time psychologists into their programs to aid veterans struggling with mental health. Veterans and service members often face mental health challenges including post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorder and depression. Research suggests that when part of an interprofessional treatment team, psychologists and psychiatrists can play key roles in providing or guiding comprehensive and effective treatment for veterans.

Despite several years of delays and an initial lack of funding, the project has received support from many community members, political representatives and state officials, including Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, State Sen. Lea Webb and Mayor Jared Kraham. The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025.

“Soldier On’s long history of working with veterans in supported, permanent housing communities, coupled with Broome County’s investment in ending veteran homelessness, will provide a tangible path for veterans to attain permanent housing and most importantly, a promising future,” Buckley wrote. “We look forward to beginning this work and partnering with the many committed agencies and individuals in Broome County and put an end to veteran homelessness.”

“I was thrilled to see the new ranking by US News and World Report on our value,” wrote Donald Hall, the University’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. “More than anything else, this seems to reflect the incredible quality of the education that we provide at Binghamton and the extraordinary talent of our students. While the overall national ranking is often called a ‘beauty contest’ because it relies so heavily on name recognition and campus size, the value ranking derives from hard data on cost and earning power. Our students succeed!”

Earlier this year, Forbes named the University a Top 10 “Public Ivy,” an honor distinguishing affordable, top-ranked public and private universities that produce “smart, driven graduates craved by employers of all types.” Forbes also ranked BU at No. 26 in Public Colleges, No. 36 in Northeast Colleges and No. 56 in Research Universities.

The University was first labeled an R1 “very high research” institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education in 2018, a title held by less than 150 schools nationwide.

“I’m happy that we’ve made such a tremendous jump in one of the most prestigious lists in the nation — and even more happy about what this means for our students,” University President Harvey Stenger said. “Binghamton students enjoy top-ranked academic programs with renowned faculty at a fraction of the cost of rival universities, and this ranking highlights that significant value.”

BU also placed on the Wall Street Journal’s list of 2025 best colleges in the United States and has achieved rankings in the U.S. News list of schools best for veterans, social mobility, nursing, computer science, business, engineering, psychology and economics.

“These rankings bring great awareness and recognition to the University, often serving as a starting point for high school counselors and prospective students alike,” wrote Krista Medionte-Phillips, the University’s assistant provost for enrollment management and director of undergraduate admissions. “As more and more people have become aware of the value a Binghamton education offers, we have seen a drastic increase in applications, and these rankings certainly validate and amplify that message.”

In light of the recent news, Brady Alessi MS ‘24, said BU played a large role in preparing him for his job in Monroe County’s Sustainability and Environmental Quality Office.

“I never expected to enter a public sector job during my time there and here I am,” Alessi wrote in an email. “Having that exposure to the possibilities within public sector jobs opened my mind to the endless types of work that can be done in sustainability. My education at Binghamton University helped guide me to a career that is meaningful to both me and to the world and the environment — and that is all I could ask for.”