Opinion Columns
Mert Kayabas | Debate? More like debacle.
Columnist Mert Kayabas critiques the suitability of our presidential candidates, calling for a new leadership slate.
Mritika Senthil | The startling impact of Penn's open expression guidelines
Columnist Mritika Senthil explores how the Penn community can hold the University administration accountable in the wake of new policies.
Ananya Shah | The duality of summer internships
Columnist Ananya Shah analyzes Penn’s preprofessional culture, examining the allure and drawbacks of elite internships.
Max Annunziata | These ‘temporary guidelines’ will hurt our University
Max Annunziata identifies the new protest rules as the latest installment in a long line of fear-driven decisions and argues they will impinge on students’ rights.
Mariana Martinez | I’m just a girl: Of course I need to justify everything I do
Columnist Mariana Martinez dissects the “I’m just a girl” social media phenomenon and assesses the effects it might have on gender norms and their perception.
Jasminda Madrid | Borrow a hammock and break your routine
Columnist Jasminda Madrid suggests that finding time to relax is essential for improving your well-being and breaking free from the stresses of daily routines.
Meihuan Yu | Unproductive by design: the last summer before college
Columnist Meihuan Yu asks the Class of 2028 to savor their final summer before college with rest and meaningful downtime.
Mert Kayabas | What do we want out of our first year?
Columnist Mert Kayabas outlines his vision for a genuine, balanced, and enriching college experience.
Olivia Nicastro | Trump's conviction fuels political divide
Columnist Olivia Nicastro examines the potential consequences of Donald Trump's conviction on political division and social cohesion in America.
Jack Lakis | Flipped classrooms aren’t putting the wind in my SAIL
Columnist Jack Lakis claims that Penn’s SAIL initiative is missing the mark for students.
Fiona Miller | Ambitions, amnesia, and ambivalence
Columnist Fiona Miller encourages students to remember and revive abandoned aspirations.
Emily Chang | Check your email, it may just change your life
Former Deputy Opinion Editor and podcast host Emily Chang, reflects on her positive Penn experience, thanks to one email that thankfully altered her future.
Caroline Magdolen | This could be your call to adventure
Former Opinion Editor Caroline Magdolen recounts her journey through The DP and the value of storytelling.
Riane Lumer | The social clock is ticking, according to who?
Columnist and former Podcast Editor Riane Lumer reflects on her path to Penn while warning against submitting to rigid timelines for experiences in your life.
Jessey Shin | Making room for intersectionality at Penn
Columnist Jessey Shin discusses the growing need for resources at Penn that are accessible to those with multiple marginalized identities.
Mritika Senthil | Bias on full display: How Penn’s ignorant activists are hurting us all
Columnist Mritika Senthil explores the search for a middle ground as Penn’s recent protests reveal the limits of ideologies both for and against Israel.
Eric Najera | A reminder to respect others
Columnist Eric Najera reminds campus to treat others with respect despite stressful times.
Mariana Martinez | Quarter system: the key to a liberal arts education
Columnist Mariana Martinez argues that the quarter system would provide Penn several advantages regarding breadth and depth in the study of different disciplines.
Akiva Berkowitz | The long, winding road to mediocrity
Columnist Akiva Berkowitz reflects on the encampment at Penn and questions why it has yet to be properly shut down.