Opinions
America Needs Better Comprehensive Sexual Education
By Joanne Hwang
The implementation of comprehensive sexual education is essential for ensuring the health and empowerment of the youth in a politically fragile environment.
The Road to November 2024
By Amaryllis Sun, Helen Mancini
Many of the current Stuyvesant seniors and some juniors will be eligible to vote in the 60th presidential election on November 5, 2024. In the midst of college applications and the hectic life of a Stuyvesant student, it can be difficult to keep up with the tumultuous American political landscape. To address this, The Spectator is starting a new election literacy project. As this historic election unfolds, the Opinions Department will publish polls, facts about the candidates, key swing state updates, and other content throughout the election season.
Moments of Stillness: Reflections on the Eclipse and Urban Connection
The eclipse facilitated a profound moment of mutual connection for New Yorkers. Can we find this unity elsewhere?
Dear America, Stop Overreacting!
America has a history of overreacting in times of crisis, leading to illogical and discriminatory measures.
The Dilemma Between Testing Dates and Religious Holidays
By Nabiha Islam
For the past couple of years, the New York State Exams have been administered during Eid following Stuyvesant not providing a “No Testing Day” the day after a religious holiday.
How to Celebrate Passover During a War
Honoring Passover, Eid, and other holidays, whether through the lens of hope or grief, is especially vital to this moment in time.
Shining a Light On Migraines in School
Stuyvesant needs to take care of its lights to take care of its students.
The Polling is Wrong
By Muhib Muhib
Recent polling shows bad news for Democrats in 2024, but raw election results and other fundamental events show something different. It appears the latter is right.
Chinatown is NOT for Sale!
By Anonymous
As the new jail in Chinatown begins construction, residents fear what the building could mean for the neighborhood's future.
The Long-Needed Embracing of Islam in the West
Explaining the positive change in mentality when it comes to Islam in the Western world.
Loving Latin
By Myles Vuong
The Latin language is oftentimes relegated to elite scholars and antiquated religious clergy, yet we should appreciate its timeless texts and the experiences that come from the class.
The Road to November 2024
President Biden’s State of the Union Address in early March addressed many of the major problems the United States currently faces involving our Congress, involvement in international affairs, reproductive rights, and more. Politicians will be forced to address these issues not only in the midst of the presidential election, but also within the upcoming years as city and state elections will inevitably occur.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/8787bc50-10a6-11ef-bb7b-b7d242d8794e.jpg)
Tact, Trickery, and Textiquette
By Virgenya Zhu
The newfound expectation for constant digital availability from our peers is not as productive as it seems.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/e977ba30-0031-11ef-bb7b-b7d242d8794e.jpg)
Reimagining Writing at Stuyvesant
By Joanne Hwang
Students should advocate for a departure from traditional English education and an entrance into diverse literary genres and creative writing assignments in order to foster innovation, creativity, and personal growth within the school community.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/c6879820-0030-11ef-bb7b-b7d242d8794e.jpg)
Anonymity Examined: The Opinions Department’s Reflections
In light of discussions concerning the “Black and White” Opinions article, the New York Post response, and questions raised by the Stuyvesant community surrounding the necessity of anonymous writers, the Opinions Department asked its writers—the core of The Spectator’s argumentative works—to share their thoughts.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/2ad081c0-0031-11ef-bb7b-b7d242d8794e.jpg)
New York’s Sidewalk Scaffolding: A Tale of Urban Intrusion
Scaffolding is a scourge on the streets of New York City, and the problem can only be fixed by holding building owners accountable.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/09155d40-0030-11ef-bb7b-b7d242d8794e.jpg)
Get in the Kitchen!
Stuyvesant students are very academically intelligent, but out of the classroom and in the home, they are left to their own devices without a formal education in domestic living, causing a gap in their knowledge of basic tasks.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/e59630c0-ebd9-11ee-99c8-451b13f1dec8.jpg)
Boycotts and Strikes: A Misguided American Mess
As uninformed and untargeted boycotts and strikes continue to arise across the nation to advocate for ceasefires or to pressure Israel, it's important to take a step back and realize that they’re not accomplishing the intended goal.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/4a8376e0-e46a-11ee-9408-a37e0bb14778.jpg)
French Fries for Happier Children
By Ushoshi Das
The recent city budget cuts have unnecessarily affected public school meals.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/7a4a1890-e288-11ee-9408-a37e0bb14778.jpg)
Peace is Possible
In a time when those in power benefit from Jewish and Muslim division, the biggest act of resistance is to understand that Jews and Muslims, religiously, fundamentally, historically, and currently, are ready for coexistence and peace.
Are Fairytales PG-13?
By Elma Khan
Fairy tales have much darker underlying themes than they appear to have and should be taught to students much more carefully, in a way that acknowledges their problematic aspects.
El Salvador’s Drastic Crime Rate Reduction: At What Cost?
By Nabiha Islam
Although El Salvador’s new president aims to crack down on gang violence, it is important to consider the costs of mass incarceration.
Letter to the Editor
By Abel Bellows
Letter to the Editor in response to “Black and White: The Withheld History of Palestine and Israel” by Anonymous.
The Road to November 2024
Most of the current Stuyvesant seniors and some juniors will be eligible to vote in the 60th presidential election on November 5, 2024. In the midst of college applications and the hectic life of a Stuyvesant student, it can be difficult to keep up with the tumultuous American political landscape. To address this, The Spectator is starting a new election literacy project. As this historic election unfolds, the Opinions Department will publish polls, facts about the candidates, key swing state updates, and other content throughout the election season.
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor in response to “Black and White: The Withheld History of Palestine and Israel” by Anonymous.
The Ivies are Losing Their Edge, But We May Have Another Option
For high school students in New York, it may be time to stop fixating on the Ivy League and start researching to look at other options.
Letter to the Editor
By Seth Fenton
Letter to the Editor in response to “Black and White: The Withheld History of Palestine and Israel”
Subway Surfing: A Dangerous Phenomenon
By Joanne Hwang
Subway surfing isn’t just a risky trend—it’s a reflection of the struggles of today’s youth manifesting in dangerous actions, a call for change in the mental health field, public transportation, and a lesson in the way society handles teen-related issues in New York City.
The 2024 Election Is A War of Attrition
Both voters and the candidates are taking extreme, and often illogical, measures to garner support. The actions ultimately reduce the election to a mere competition rather than a collective effort to select a candidate who will best utilize their position to improve the state of the country.
The “Pay-to-Win” Justice System
In the capitalist society that we live in, being wealthy gives defendants an advantage in getting away with crimes.
Reflections on the Irish Hunger Memorial
This piece was written in response to an extra credit assignment assigned by history teacher Mr. Hanna. The assignment asked students to visit the Irish Hunger Memorial in the Battery Park City neighborhood of Manhattan and to write a reflection on how it made them feel.
We Need Snow Days!
As snow becomes a rare occasion, making and treasuring memories from snow days becomes more and more valuable.
Addressing Our City’s Crisis for Migrants
The ongoing migrant crisis in New York City has been frequently observed, complained, and written about for the past couple months. For these reasons, the Opinions Department compiled a spread of Opinions writers' takes on various questions to gain a glimpse into the Stuyvesant perspective.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/80a4ae20-20aa-11ef-bb7b-b7d242d8794e.jpg)
Bring Back the Paper SAT
By Ushoshi Das
Switching to the digital SAT was the wrong move for the the College Board.
America Needs Better Comprehensive Sexual Education
By Joanne Hwang
The implementation of comprehensive sexual education is essential for ensuring the health and empowerment of the youth in a politically fragile environment.
The Road to November 2024
By Amaryllis Sun, Helen Mancini
Many of the current Stuyvesant seniors and some juniors will be eligible to vote in the 60th presidential election on November 5, 2024. In the midst of college applications and the hectic life of a Stuyvesant student, it can be difficult to keep up with the tumultuous American political landscape. To address this, The Spectator is starting a new election literacy project. As this historic election unfolds, the Opinions Department will publish polls, facts about the candidates, key swing state updates, and other content throughout the election season.
Moments of Stillness: Reflections on the Eclipse and Urban Connection
The eclipse facilitated a profound moment of mutual connection for New Yorkers. Can we find this unity elsewhere?
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/8787bc50-10a6-11ef-bb7b-b7d242d8794e.jpg)
Tact, Trickery, and Textiquette
By Virgenya Zhu
The newfound expectation for constant digital availability from our peers is not as productive as it seems.
Dear America, Stop Overreacting!
America has a history of overreacting in times of crisis, leading to illogical and discriminatory measures.
The Dilemma Between Testing Dates and Religious Holidays
By Nabiha Islam
For the past couple of years, the New York State Exams have been administered during Eid following Stuyvesant not providing a “No Testing Day” the day after a religious holiday.
How to Celebrate Passover During a War
Honoring Passover, Eid, and other holidays, whether through the lens of hope or grief, is especially vital to this moment in time.
Shining a Light On Migraines in School
Stuyvesant needs to take care of its lights to take care of its students.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/e977ba30-0031-11ef-bb7b-b7d242d8794e.jpg)
Reimagining Writing at Stuyvesant
By Joanne Hwang
Students should advocate for a departure from traditional English education and an entrance into diverse literary genres and creative writing assignments in order to foster innovation, creativity, and personal growth within the school community.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/c6879820-0030-11ef-bb7b-b7d242d8794e.jpg)
Anonymity Examined: The Opinions Department’s Reflections
In light of discussions concerning the “Black and White” Opinions article, the New York Post response, and questions raised by the Stuyvesant community surrounding the necessity of anonymous writers, the Opinions Department asked its writers—the core of The Spectator’s argumentative works—to share their thoughts.
The Polling is Wrong
By Muhib Muhib
Recent polling shows bad news for Democrats in 2024, but raw election results and other fundamental events show something different. It appears the latter is right.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/2ad081c0-0031-11ef-bb7b-b7d242d8794e.jpg)
New York’s Sidewalk Scaffolding: A Tale of Urban Intrusion
Scaffolding is a scourge on the streets of New York City, and the problem can only be fixed by holding building owners accountable.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/09155d40-0030-11ef-bb7b-b7d242d8794e.jpg)
Get in the Kitchen!
Stuyvesant students are very academically intelligent, but out of the classroom and in the home, they are left to their own devices without a formal education in domestic living, causing a gap in their knowledge of basic tasks.
Chinatown is NOT for Sale!
By Anonymous
As the new jail in Chinatown begins construction, residents fear what the building could mean for the neighborhood's future.
The Long-Needed Embracing of Islam in the West
Explaining the positive change in mentality when it comes to Islam in the Western world.
Loving Latin
By Myles Vuong
The Latin language is oftentimes relegated to elite scholars and antiquated religious clergy, yet we should appreciate its timeless texts and the experiences that come from the class.
The Road to November 2024
President Biden’s State of the Union Address in early March addressed many of the major problems the United States currently faces involving our Congress, involvement in international affairs, reproductive rights, and more. Politicians will be forced to address these issues not only in the midst of the presidential election, but also within the upcoming years as city and state elections will inevitably occur.
Are Fairytales PG-13?
By Elma Khan
Fairy tales have much darker underlying themes than they appear to have and should be taught to students much more carefully, in a way that acknowledges their problematic aspects.
El Salvador’s Drastic Crime Rate Reduction: At What Cost?
By Nabiha Islam
Although El Salvador’s new president aims to crack down on gang violence, it is important to consider the costs of mass incarceration.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/e59630c0-ebd9-11ee-99c8-451b13f1dec8.jpg)
Boycotts and Strikes: A Misguided American Mess
As uninformed and untargeted boycotts and strikes continue to arise across the nation to advocate for ceasefires or to pressure Israel, it's important to take a step back and realize that they’re not accomplishing the intended goal.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/4a8376e0-e46a-11ee-9408-a37e0bb14778.jpg)
French Fries for Happier Children
By Ushoshi Das
The recent city budget cuts have unnecessarily affected public school meals.
Letter to the Editor
By Abel Bellows
Letter to the Editor in response to “Black and White: The Withheld History of Palestine and Israel” by Anonymous.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/7a4a1890-e288-11ee-9408-a37e0bb14778.jpg)
Peace is Possible
In a time when those in power benefit from Jewish and Muslim division, the biggest act of resistance is to understand that Jews and Muslims, religiously, fundamentally, historically, and currently, are ready for coexistence and peace.
The Road to November 2024
Most of the current Stuyvesant seniors and some juniors will be eligible to vote in the 60th presidential election on November 5, 2024. In the midst of college applications and the hectic life of a Stuyvesant student, it can be difficult to keep up with the tumultuous American political landscape. To address this, The Spectator is starting a new election literacy project. As this historic election unfolds, the Opinions Department will publish polls, facts about the candidates, key swing state updates, and other content throughout the election season.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/86e17bc0-e468-11ee-9408-a37e0bb14778.jpg)
Night Court—Navigating the Ethics of Watching Others Hurt
By Alexa Leahy
In night court, even though the person watching on the wooden pew gets to observe the trial as if watching a show, there lies a real person on the other side of the barrier whose real life could be breaking down.
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor in response to “Black and White: The Withheld History of Palestine and Israel” by Anonymous.
The Ivies are Losing Their Edge, But We May Have Another Option
For high school students in New York, it may be time to stop fixating on the Ivy League and start researching to look at other options.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/ed13b930-e283-11ee-9408-a37e0bb14778.jpg)
Addressing Our City’s Crisis for Migrants
The ongoing migrant crisis in New York City has been frequently observed, complained, and written about for the past couple months. For these reasons, the Opinions Department compiled a spread of Opinions writers' takes on various questions to gain a glimpse into the Stuyvesant perspective.
Letter to the Editor
By Seth Fenton
Letter to the Editor in response to “Black and White: The Withheld History of Palestine and Israel”
Subway Surfing: A Dangerous Phenomenon
By Joanne Hwang
Subway surfing isn’t just a risky trend—it’s a reflection of the struggles of today’s youth manifesting in dangerous actions, a call for change in the mental health field, public transportation, and a lesson in the way society handles teen-related issues in New York City.
The 2024 Election Is A War of Attrition
Both voters and the candidates are taking extreme, and often illogical, measures to garner support. The actions ultimately reduce the election to a mere competition rather than a collective effort to select a candidate who will best utilize their position to improve the state of the country.
The “Pay-to-Win” Justice System
In the capitalist society that we live in, being wealthy gives defendants an advantage in getting away with crimes.
![big image](https://stuyspec-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/rewrite_media/8e5f3c10-d06e-11ee-9816-39d5f2a77385.jpg)
Thrift Culture: Threading The Needle
By Virgenya Zhu
A look into the thrifting trend, and what it means to partake in it ethically.
Reflections on the Irish Hunger Memorial
This piece was written in response to an extra credit assignment assigned by history teacher Mr. Hanna. The assignment asked students to visit the Irish Hunger Memorial in the Battery Park City neighborhood of Manhattan and to write a reflection on how it made them feel.