Darts
City of Kingston declares food insecurity an emergency: On Jan. 14, the Kingston City Council reported one in three households struggle to put food on the table. This number shows food insecurity isn’t a far-fetched circumstance that students are immune to, but a close reality and internal to the university. The emergency of affording groceries is the wake-up call for Queen’s and Kingston to increase their .
AMS assembly fails its own transparency test: The fall AMS Special Assembly in Stirling Hall auditorium left Queen’s students and many first-time attendees with a lackluster impression of how student governance operates. A lengthy night of back-and-forth on how to run Assembly, voting mishaps, and frustrated communications from leaders to students undermined the AMS’s championed mission of transparency.
2,000 graduate student workers walk off the job: Beginning March 10, Graduate Teaching Assistants, Research Assistants, and Teaching Fellows, represented by Public Service Alliance Canada 901, Unit 1, took to University Ave. and Union St. to demand wage increases from the University. As graduate workers keep fighting for their livelihoods, a mass ripple effect of uncertainty about grading and final exams transfers to undergraduate students and their studies, marking a historic time at Queen’s.
Two Queen’s students acquitted of sexual assault charges in Mexico: Over Winter Reading Week, two Queen’s students were arrested and detained in Mexico on sexual assault charges before being acquitted and returning to Canada. While the legal process concluded abroad, the incident contributed to ongoing conversations about consent, ability, and the realities of sexual violence within and beyond university communities.
Queen’s rules against divestment: Amidst the chaos of graduate worker strikes, the University announced its decision against divesting from companies doing business in or with the State of Israel. To promote healthy and productive dialogue on campus, istrative decisions must be clearly communicated to students. Queen’s missed a vital opportunity to be transparent with its students, which will reap consequences on student advocacy, campus relationships, and political divisions moving forward.
Former AMS clubs commissioner resigned due to burnout, harassment, and discrimination: Before her term ended, Stephanie Sahadeo stepped down from her role as the AMS’s Clubs Commissioner, citing burnout and the overwhelming amount of criticism she faced from holding a public-facing position. Roles in student leadership must shift to value ability, transparency, and privacy—changes that shouldn’t take a mental toll on students to happen. It’s a test to see how such situations will be addressed in the future.
Queen’s medical school professor under investigation after complaints of anti-Palestinian racism: Students expressed concern that a professor’s actions toward another student promoted anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic views. The University is a place of diversity and inclusivity to all students—any notions breaching these values, especially from those in teaching positions—are unwelcome. This incident incites more open conversations about the importance of holding faculty able for their behaviours.
AMS and SGPS voice frustration over JDUC delays: Following a series of announcements further delaying JDUC openings and move-in dates, the AMS and SGPS decided against future updates. While this was the fairest course of action, it’s not enough to stall frustrations from students—many of whom will never get to experience long-awaited resources from the JDUC. The building’s revitalization began in 2019, and was set to be completed last August before being pushed to January. Now, all we can do is stand by and wait for the JDUC to open.
America needs to wake up to Trump’s policies: A viral TikTok from actress Hunter Schafer, showing her new port stamped with a male gender marker, solidifies the unsettling yet tangible reality of Trump’s new policies. Political issues don’t need to happen on campus to concern students. Rather, the salience of our neighbours’ shifting attitudes is a call for everyone to pay attention and watch out for one another.
Canadian Association of Journalists condemns AMS’s Orwellian proposals jeopardizing press freedom: Amidst proposals from the AMS to interfere with internal processes, The Journal discovered it wasn’t alone in its fight for journalistic freedom, when it garnered the attention of the Canadian Association of Journalists. While from the organization brought significant credibility for student journalism to a national scale, their involvement solidifies the extremes the fight for free press on campus has reached. As more and more student papers face slashed budgets, external interference, or closures, it’s clear that campus journalism is under threat—not just at Queen’s, but across the country.
Laurels
Students vote in favour of editorial autonomy at AMS Special General Assembly: Last semester’s AMS Special General Assembly saw historic student attendance, where mobilized by The Journal and countless peer ers came together to show heartwarming resilience for student journalism. Maintaining The Journal’s editorial autonomy was a bittersweet victory. Advocacy for journalistic freedom can and should never stop.
‘History is on your side’: Faculty stand in solidarity with striking graduate students: When no tentative agreement was reached between the University and PSAC 901, graduate workers continued to strike for fair wages, and professors stood with them. During a self-organized “Faculty Day of Action,” professors marched to criticize the University’s poor treatment of graduate student labour and how it misaligns with their proposed bicentennial vision. Amid campus divisions, solidarity from professors is monumental in mobilizing change at Queen’s.
First ever Black orientation aims to foster a lasting sense of community: Queen’s debuted its first ever Black orientation last September, which offers a month of tailored events organized by Black student clubs. Transitioning to university is challenging enough, leaving customs behind shouldn’t be another worry that Black students face. This initiative signals a better future of student orientation experiences for students to come.
Men’s Volleyball wins Forsyth Cup: The Men’s Volleyball team did their coaches, teammates, and Queen’s proud bringing home the Forsyth Cup. This win marks the only provincial championship Queen’s has won all year and the first gold medal for many on the team. The team’s success speaks to team dynamics that go into forging champions in high-level sports, but also the lasting friendships that come out of it. With another year to go, we hope to see the team continue their success.
Graduate students score victory as the University halts cuts: Graduate students breathed a sigh of relief after proposed cuts to the Queen’s Graduate Award were halted, following intense advocacy from student groups. Graduate funding now awaits review, which is led by Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Matthew Evans. The past year has been a tumultuous one between istration and the graduate student body. Yet, efforts like this are only possible when we make room to value open dialogue and conversations that critically evaluate our institution.
’Journal’ alumni recognized for excellence in student journalism: The Journal was nominated for four awards at the John H. MacDonald Awards for Excellence in Student Journalism, including Student Publication of the Year. Former Senior News Editor Sophia Coppolino, ArtSci ’24, was named Student Journalist of the Year by the Canadian University Press. Her recognition is a testament to the level of dedication, integrity, and professionalism student journalists bring to their work at The Journal. These honours reflect not only individual achievements, but also the collaborative spirit and commitment to high-quality journalism that define our newsroom.
SGPS lands $15 thousand to tackle rising graduate food insecurity: Advocacy from student leaders successfully secured funding and University to combat rising rates of food insecurity among the graduate community. At times when professional students are choosing between education and feeding themselves, the programming provides additional . It’s not easy being vulnerable about struggles, yet securing this financial is one step closer to long-term solutions to relieve food insecurity.
Efforts underway to revive Kingston WritersFest after closure: After coming to an end after 16 years of operation, a flood of community has given the Kingston WritersFest a second chance at survival. The annual festival serves as a hub for readers, writers, and literary enthusiasts and contributes to Kingston’s rich, yet underrated world of arts and culture. Like all coveted Kingston festivals, WritersFest isn’t possible without funding and community . With arts programs diminishing left and right, it’s hopeful to see efforts and engagements that keep WritersFest alive.
Professors call for action against antisemitism at Queen’s: Professors spoke out against the discrimination faced by Jewish students on campus, urging for policy changes to protect them. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Queen’s has experienced a rise in antisemitic and anti-Palestinian rhetoric on campus. Queen’s faculty occupy a respected position in the institution—instead of remaining neutral, it’s meaningful to see them speaking up for students who often look up to them. Campus becomes a safer place when students realize their professors share their interests.
Ramadan means finding home through a shared Iftar meal: Thanks to the 30-night Ramadan program run by the Queen’s University Muslim Student’s Association, Muslim students at Queen’s could enjoy an Iftar dinner at their home away from home. Rather than the isolation and homesickness that many students face when coming to university, the student-run program encourages community, connection, and greater exposure for this celebration. Food is more than a meal—it represents family ties and community in their direct absence.
—Journal Editorial Board
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