Monday, April 27, 2026

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Opinion | 1000

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COMMENTARY

Many at MSU struggle with gender identity

I'd like to applaud The State News for printing the editorial "Identity right" (SN 11/16) on gender identity. Gender identity is as intrinsic and personal as anything else that we use to define ourselves to ourselves, and as such should be protected with the same safeguards as any other identifying characteristic. Yet presently at MSU, discrimination against transgender students in housing, employment and other areas of student life is permitted.

COMMENTARY

SN contributes to false distinctions

Kudos to Josh McFarland for his recent letter: "Students are here permanently also" (SN 11/9). Indeed, The State News bares some responsibility as it continually distinguishes between "resident" and "student" in articles where the distinction is not important to understanding the story.

COMMENTARY

Writer doesn't know dairy fundamentals

In response to Sophia DiPietro's letter, "Dairy industry not truthful of cruelty" (SN 11/08), regarding the dairy industry, I'm sorry she doesn't see the humor in the latest "got milk" advertisement.

COMMENTARY

New program takes other resources away

When I read The State News' front-page article on the new residential college, "Living, learning collide in new college option" (SN 11/15), I thought I was reading a James Madison College brochure for prospective students.

COMMENTARY

Anyone's day

Thanksgiving means a lot to many, many people. It's one of those days in the year reserved for people to gather with family, friends and loved ones, no matter how they celebrate. However, it doesn't have to be a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting. A feast, ski trip or movie at the local cinema all suffice.

COMMENTARY

Aftermath

It's the day after tomorrow. The "spree." The "big dance." Marathon runners would find it familiar. During the early morning, alarms around the country will break the stillness of the hour.

COMMENTARY

Still Sharp

It can be seen as a changing of the guard. After 12 years of service to East Lansing as a member of the City Council, Bill Sharp lost his bid for reelection earlier this month. For more than a decade Sharp has shaped policies that have affected thousands of MSU students as they have studied, lived and worked in the city. His experience and dedication to the city cannot be questioned.

COMMENTARY

Political cartoon meant to inform, not entertain

I am writing in response to the many letters about Mike Ramsey's Veterans Day cartoon. Recently, Jared Parko wrote in "Cartoon too harsh, inappropriate for day" (SN 11/16), "Please keep the paper comical and leave veteran soldiers out of your anti-war agenda." Political cartoons are intended to do more than simply entertain readers.

COMMENTARY

Cartoon filth, noble ideals not presented

Yes, freedom of speech is great. Yes, it is a fundamental liberty. Blah blah blah. We already know this. There are a few problems with trying to protect Mike Ramsey's filth under these noble arguments though. First, The State News Editorial Board seems to argue that Ramsey is some great example of the freedom America allows to people with dissenting opinions — and therefore he is a protector of our liberties by pushing the envelope of free speech.

COMMENTARY

SN hypocritical, mustn't complain of other media

I was completely appalled when I read the "Oh, that war" (SN 11/08) editorial. How is a newspaper that puts in the sometimes nine-plus pages of football coverage going to blame the media for people's ignorance? If The State News thinks the media should cover Afghanistan instead of "whatever is happening most recently," then The State News should start with itself. Don't you think the enormous pullout football section and meager, often absent, Nation & World page might contribute to the skewed ignorance of college students? It boggles me how a college that has one of the top five international relations programs in the country cannot put out a newspaper that promotes international awareness. How about daily government headlines to keep students informed or at least a consistent Nation & World page?

COMMENTARY

Students had chance to change face of council

For more than five years, I have read letters in The State News from students arguing that loud parties are to be expected and nonstudent neighbors who dislike them should stop complaining, because they knew what they were getting into when they chose their house.