Anthro Volume 7 Issue 4 2025

A CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP: pg. 18

ANTHRO

May 2025 Volume 7 Issue 4

Mission Statement The goals of Anthro magazine, Palo Alto High School’s activism-focused journalism publication, are to highlight the impact of local and global activism on the Paly community, serve as a safe place to discuss these issues, and ensure that student voices are heard. Along the way, we hope to promote diversity, inclusion and respect, use respectful language and not engage in or support hate speech or the targeting of individuals.

From the Editors Dear Readers, We are excited to bring the fourth edition of Anthro this year. This cycle has been especially interesting. After four months of Donald Trump’s presidency, we’ve begun to see the impact of his actions on our community. Protests around Palo Alto have popped up as students and adults alike react to a country that is experiencing immense change. This edition showcases local activism efforts and the effects of Trump’s actions.

As always, Anthro has an editorial, and this cycle it is titled “Standing up and speaking out.” In this editorial, our staff celebrates the efforts of local activists in their fight against the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the overreach of Trump’s power.

In our news section, reporters Arjun Jindal and Karin Bluemenfield feature a recent event where student-led organizations Let’s Talk Unite and Youth in Government reflect on the importance of student discourse. Writers Vivian Lin and Vivian Tang cover a recent climate protest at the Palo Alto City Hall, calling for people to live more sustainably. In “Protesters rally outside OpenAI,” reporter Arjun Jindal explores people protesting against the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence.

Our features section shifts from activism to how local organizations have been affected by the changing political climate. In “Pride in every stride,” writers Mihika Sridhar and Arjun Jindal cover the Bayland Frontrunners, an LGBTQ+ running club, amid increasing animosity towards the gay community. “The cost of revenge” by Marcus Ling and Motoko Iwata highlights how tariffs have affected local business owners. Reporter Jeshurun Wang also covers the increasing wealth gap in Palo Alto and the Bay Area as a whole in his story “Is money the real issue?”

Lastly, our opinion section starts with “Yes, you are a feminist,” in which writer Lara Dumanli discusses how the word feminism too often carries a negative connotation and how people are reluctant to identify themselves as feminists.

Writers Henry Germain and Richard Zhang reflect on the University of Southern Carolina’s “Speak Your Mind” ice bucket challenge, and how, as the trend gained popularity, it has lost its significance in “A splash with no meaning.” We hope you enjoy the magazine.

– Editors-in-chief Hadrien de Martel and Mihika Sridhar

2

May 2025

Staff Editors-in-Chief Hadrien de Martel Mihika Sridhar Managing Editors Motoko Iwata Amily Zhang Features Editor Jeshurun Wang Business Manager Richard Zhang Staff Writers Karin Blumenfeld Lara Dumanli Henry Germain Arjun Jindal Alexander Lawson Vivian Lin Marcus Ling Vivian Tang William Xue Xander Yap Chapin Walker Artists Doreen Hou Chiara Martin

Adviser Paul Kandell anthromagazine.org

IN THIS ISSUE

Photo by Arjun Jindal

Photo by Chapin Walker

4

Standing up, speaking out

5

University students charged

6

Protesters rally outside OpenAI

7

Leaders promote civil discourse

8

Locals rally for climate superfund

9

Students on stickers

10

The cost of retribution

12

Pride in every stride

14

Busing justice across districts

16

Is money the real issue?

18

A change in leadership

20

A splash with no meaning

22

Yes, you are a feminist

24

Local activism roundup

25

Activism club spotlight

Photo by Arjun Jindal Letters to the Editors The staff welcomes letters to the editors. We reserve the right to edit all submissions for length, grammar, potential libel, invasion of privacy and obscenity. Send all letters to anthromagazine. paly@gmail.com or to 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301.

Printing & Distribution Anthro is printed by Folger Graphics in Hayward, California.The Palo Alto Parent Teacher Association mails Anthro to every student’s home. Past issues are available at anthromagazine.org.

Publication Policy Anthro, a social activism magazine published by students in Palo Alto High School Incubator class, is a designated limited open forum for student expression and discussion of issue of concern to its readership. Anthro is distributed to its readers and the student body at no cost.

Please visit anthromagazine.org to view our AI policy and ethics policy.

Photo by Vivian Lin

On the cover:

Protesters brandish signs in support of the climate and in objection to Elon Musk’s actions next to the Palo Alto City Hall.

_____ Photo by Vivian Lin.

anthromagazine.org

3

Art and photo by AMILY ZHANG

Standing up, speaking out Editorial

I

n abusing the federal government’s power, U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has furthered his own agenda at the cost of fundamental values of our country, including diversity, democracy and determination. As a result, various local organizations have organized protests and taken action to protect our community’s principles. We would like to celebrate the efforts of students, parents, teachers, school board members, the California government and protesters for advocating for the preservation of Palo Alto’s diversity, and for checking back against governmental overreach.

We ask our readers to support the efforts of our community’s activists, through positive engagement on social media or in person. We also encourage students who are passionate about a cause to exercise their freedom of speech to advocate for themselves and the broader community.

Ethnic Studies passing

A

fter a tense school board meeting, the contested Ethnic Studies requirement passed 3-2 on Jan. 23. We praise students, parents and teachers for showing up to advocate for themselves and speak up for what they believe in.

The Ethnic Studies requirement is a measure to broaden the view of history from focusing on a Eurocentric perspective to highlighting a variety of cultures and races.

According to Palo Alto resident and former public defender Aram Finkelstein in an interview with Anthro Magazine, this class is critical in starting important conversations.

“I believe that the only way that we are gonna get beyond racism, anti-semitism, is that we have classes where we have bold conversations,” Finkelstein said. “Bottom line, don’t censor either party, let conversations start in our schools.”

In a time when Trump is cracking down on diversity and forcing the narrative of American history into being a uniform story, courses such as these are necessary to protect the diversity of voices in our schools.

Deven Sharma, a junior at Henry M. Gunn High School, speaks at a board meeting on Feb. 11. Photo by Luca Vostrejs.

California’s defense of diversity, equity, and inclusion

A

fter a historic announcement from Trump threatening to cut off funding to high schools if they don’t eliminate DEI, California has taken a firm stance in defense of DEI programs. California has made the right decision and is standing up to an unjust use of federal power to blackmail schools into changing their policies and programs.

This move is critical in defending fundamental diversity in our schools. California has long been a haven of diversity. Thus, this move serves to protect the core of California’s identity. Further, this is necessary to prevent Trump’s overreach of power by preventing Trump from interfering with our state’s values.

Tesla takedowns

S

ince mid-February, Tesla Takedown protests objecting to Elon Musk’s involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have spread to become a nationwide event. Using the phrase “government efficiency,” DOGE has violated the checks and balances that ensure that no branch of the government overpowers the rest.

We would like to celebrate those who stand up to DOGE and its unjust usage of government power to further a president’s agenda.

Granny Ruth, a regular attendee of Tesla Takedown protests, explains the importance of the movement.

“He [Elon Musk] has got to be stopped,” Granny Ruth said. “This (protest) is one of many and we want to see the groundswell of people showing that everything that is going on is wrong. So our goal is to be part of a larger movement.”

These protests occur in countless locations across the country every Saturday.

4

May 2025

Text by JESHURUN WANG and ALEXANDER LAWSON

News

IN THE AFTERMATH — Students and tourists walk around the Stanford Oval which was once filled with protesters in June 2024. Photo by Alexander Lawson.

University students charged

Stanford pro-Palestinian protesters charged with multiple felonies

S

tudents and graduates who oc- penalized for,” the student said. cupied and vandalized Stanford Another Stanford student, who reUniversity’s campus will soon be quested to remain anonymous, expressed in court this April after being their thoughts on how, despite the stucharged with felony vandalism and con- dents deserving punishment for their spiracy to trespass. acts, the charges were too harsh for the The 12 individuals are being charged crime. for crimes which “My first iminclude smashing pression was that “I feel like when I was 18, felony charges windows, breaking into administra- there were a lot of stupid seemed a bit tive buildings, and harsh,” they said. vandalizing vari- things I did that I would “Given trespassing ous buildings with hate to be penalized for.” charges, they’re anti-semitic mesdefinitely guilty,

sages.

— Stanford Student but I think the senOverall, the tencing was too Stanford students harsh.” whom Anthro has interviewed said that Stanford was one of many schools the charges were too harsh for the crime, with encampments of pro-Palestinian and the sentencing was too harsh given students last year. According to the New the protesters’ ages.

York Times, more than 3,000 students One student, who requested to re- were arrested for college encampments main anonymous, stated that she believes last year; they primarily faced misdethe charges are unnecessarily severe and meanor charges or had their charges burden the students’ lives unfairly. dropped altogether “Felony charges stop you from votPolice arrested the Stanford student ing and holding a job, so I don’t know. I protestors on June 3, 2024, according to feel like when I was 18, there were a lot of the New York Times. The protestors occustupid things I did that I would hate to be pied the office of the Stanford president,

barricaded themselves inside the office, broke windows, splashed fake blood inside the building, broke furniture, and smashed security cameras. The damages were estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

On April 10, Prosecutor Jeff Rosen, the district attorney of Santa Clara, charged the 12 Stanford protesters with felony vandalism and felony conspiracy to trespass. The charged protesters’ ages ranged from 19 to 32, and all but one of the individuals were current or former Stanford students.

The protesters face up to three years and eight months in prison. This doesn’t include the payment of restitution they must pay to reimburse the university for their damages during the protests.

Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen also expressed his thoughts on the matter.

“Whenever you have multiple people working together to commit a crime, it’s much more dangerous to the public,” Rosen told the Times.

Overall, he said he believes that “speech is protected by the First Amendment: Vandalism is prosecuted under the Penal Code.”

anthromagazine.org

5

Text by ARJUN JINDLAL and CHAPIN WALKER

Photo by ARJUN JINDAL

Protesters rally outside OpenAI Demonstrators fear advance of artificial generative intelligence

P

rotesters gathered on May 3 outside OpenAI’s San Francisco headquarters, warning that the race to build artificial general intelligence, or AGI, could outpace humanity’s ability to control it.

Organizer Sam Kirchner held a cardboard sign reading “Ban AGI” and

demanded a permanent halt to AGI de- potential risks posed by superintelligent velopment and stricter regulation of ex- systems. Experts caution that the rapid isting large-scale AI models. evolution of AI could result in machines “We want to prevent the creation of developing goals misaligned with human something called artificial general intelli- well-being, a phenomenon known as nongence, which is more generally intelligent aligned AI. and economically productive than most “The only acceptable time to build humans. AGI being better at AI research a superintelligent system is if you have and development than human experts experimental evidence that it will stay could trigger a rapid leap to artificial su- aligned forever and will never want someperintelligence,” Kirchner said. thing that will cause human extinction.

The true threat, according to the And you can’t have that experimental group, is ASI, or evidence of inartificial supersafety,” “It’s either we protest non- definite i n t e l l i ge n c e, Kirchner said. which they argue violently or we do nothing Having desome experts beveloped AI since lieve has a chance and all die.” he was 12 and — SAM KIRCHNER, co-founder of StopAI now building an to eliminate humanity.

AI-based startup, “Once you build superintelligence, Alex Chen argues that AI will bring a net you can’t shut it down,” Kirchner said, good. citing Nobel Prize winner Geoffrey “AI is probably one of the most Hinton, who estimated a 50 percent meaningful technologies we’ll see in our chance that superintelligence lifetime. I urge skeptics to embrace it and could cause human extinction if learn to use it to their benefit. Breakoversight lags behind research. throughs already deliver real value to huWith this infinite improve- manity,” Chen said. ment potentially causing The demonstration follows comit to become smarter ments by OpenAI chief executive Sam than we could ever Altman suggesting AGI could arrive this imagine, the group year, with more powerful systems to folis worried it will act low within three years. The company also in ways contrary to reversed its for-profit conversion after the best interests of hu- pressure from regulators. Protesters say manity, often referred that the timeline leaves little room for to as non-aligned AI. public deliberation.

As advancements in “It’s either we protest nonviolently or artificial intelligence we do nothing and all die,” Kirchner said. continue to accelAlex Chen urged a more measured erate, concerns are view, comparing AI to nuclear weapons. growing about the “After nuclear weapons, most countries are afraid to step on someone else’s soil. Deterrence works. The same may hold for AI,” Chen said.

STOP AI­­­­ — A demonstrator holds a “STOP AI” placard outside OpenAI’s headquarters in San Francisco on May 3. The protest, led by organizer Sam Kirchner, warns that unchecked artificial general intelligence could outpace human control and endanger humanity. Kirchner says the group will return weekly until lawmakers impose a permanent halt on AGI development.

6

May 2025

Text by KARIN BLUMENFELD and ARJUN JINDAL

Rising Palo Alto leaders promote civil discourse

A

fter an election year marked by heated rhetoric, almost 50 local teens from around the Peninsula walked into the YMCA with a simple question: How can we talk about politics without tearing each other down?

The first-of-its-kind workshop was hosted at Palo Alto YMCA, piloted by Let’s Talk Unite (LTU), a student‑run 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to bridging ideological divides, and the YMCA’s Youth in Government program, which simulates the legislative process for high‑school students.

The event featured civil discourse discussions among student attendees, and speeches by Antonio López, the former mayor of the City of East Palo Alto and the current poet laureate for San Mateo County, and the presidents of LTU and Youth in Government.

Kehillah High School junior Charlotte Kofman, co-president of Let’s Talk Unite, reflected on the challenges of political polarization specifically in the Bay Area during her speech to the teen audience.

“Political polarization makes compromise a lot harder,” Kofman said. “We live in a homogeneous political bubble here in the Bay Area, so it takes real effort to branch out.”

Henry M. Gunn High School sophomore and co-president of Silicon Valley’s

Youth in Government, Mathilde Huyn, thought that the event would be a natural fit due to the common goals shared between the organizations.

“I set up this event to connect LTU and Youth in Government, a non-profit and an organization…” Huyn said. “Political polarization does affect passing legislation a lot, so I thought it was important to understand the two and how they collaborate with each other.”

Kofman believes this event will open students to new perspectives and discussion strategies within politics.

“The goal of the event is to encourage youth, the future generation of politicians, to see the harm that political polarization is having on our society and what they can do to help lessen that divide,” Kofman said. “We’re going to teach civil discourse skills, and this is especially relevant with Youth and Government because political polarization hinders government progress.”

Both Hyun and Kofman hope that this event will encourage dialogue amongst participants.

“The number one way to solve this [political polarization] is civil dialogue,” Huyn said. “Civil dialogue is a way that you can converse with other people who kind of mostly have different ideas than you, while still being respectful about your own idea and their idea.”

Photo by ARJUN JINDAL

Aside from discussions, the event highlighted guest speaker Antonio López.

He sees youth as the avenue for change and has hope in the future generation.

“Young people are the future,” López said. They know what the issues are, and they know exactly how to advocate and how to fight. And as I said, my job is just to pass the torch. My job is just to say you guys can do it, you guys have all the tools and resources.”

As the Santa Clara County Poet Laureate, López practices civil dialogue in his personal life by detailing his stories and experiences to others, exemplifying how civil dialogue can be present in daily life, not just in politics.

“For me, it is about how I create avenues to spark dialogue,” López said. “It is not that I am saying somebody is wrong, but saying let me humbly offer you my lived experience as a child of immigrants, whether we are talking about race, immigration, policy, or discrimination, hopefully those poems, that art form, is going to invite them to rethink how they see the world.”

SPEAKING TO THE CROWD — former mayor of the City of East Palo Alto and the current poet laureate for San Mateo County, Antonio López, speaks to the teens about their vital role in the future of politics. According to López, history has shown that that youth are at the forefront of change. “It’s always been young people who made the difference,” López said.

anthromagazine.org

7

Text by VIVIAN LIN and VIVIAN TANG

Photo by VIVIAN LIN

Locals rally for climate superfund

C

hanting “The climate depends fund Act] measures the amount of polluon you and me” and holding tion various individuals [and] organizasigns saying “There is no planet tions have polluted. … So essentially, it’s B” and “Stop carbon emissions creating a superfund, thus in the name, by 2030,” more than 100 protesters stood helping fund clean energy initiatives and in front of Palo Alto City Hall on April 18 resources for disaster cleanup and things for the annual Earth Day rally. like that,” Giang said.

The theme, “RalThe protest ly for our future, “I want us to keep the brought together stumake polluters pay,” dents from different brought together Bay animals in mind. Let’s schools across the Area organizations try and be their voice, city, including Cassuch as Palo Alto Stutilleja High School dent Climate Coali- because this world is all junior Alida Cuttriss, tion, 350 Silicon Valwho gave a speech in of our homes.” ley, and Fridays For front of the crowd.

Future.

“I want us to ­— ALIDA CUTTRISS, CUTTRISS, Palo Alto High Castilleja High School junior keep the animals in School junior Brenmind,” Cuttriss said. dan Giang, a project lead of the Palo Alto “Let’s try and be their voice, because this Student Climate Coalition and organizer world is all of our homes. Holding the of the protest, said that this year’s protest polluters accountable isn’t just a matter theme was centered around supporting of justice for the people, it’s an act of prothe Make Polluters Pay Superfund Act — tection for the thousands of species who a bill that requires fossil fuel polluters to depend on us to fight for their right to pay for the climate damages they have live and thrive.” caused the state.

A protester who referred to herself “It [The Make Polluters Pay Super- as ‘Granny Ruth,’ a member of the Rag-

8

May 2025

ing Grannies, went to the protest to express her concerns about specific polluters in the city.

“We can’t save the Earth unless we stop nuclear war, unless we stop capitalism, unless we stop the kind of things that Elon Musk is allowed to do,” Granny Ruth said. “Tesla polluted right here in our creek… and they got away with it… the $750 fine was all the city of Palo Alto [charged them].”

Giang said that even taking small steps to be environmentally friendly can help mitigate the effects of climate change.

“There are so many small things you can buy, resell fashion and wear clothes for longer instead of contributing to fast fashion,” Giang said. “There’s so many things you can do, whatever fits in your lifestyle. That’s what we really want to support. We want to support whatever change people are willing to make.”

CHAMPIONS FOR THE FUTURE A member of the Raging Grannies holds a sign along with other protesters at the “Make Polluters Pay” protest at Palo Alto City Hall on April 18. (Photo by Vivian Lin)

Students on stickers “I Text and photos by ALEXANDER LAWSON and WILLIAM XUE

Features

Young drivers speak about trending anti-Elon car bumper stickers

bought this before Elon went crazy” or “Anti-Elon Tesla Club” are messages that can be commonly be seen on the now iconic bumper stickers found on many Teslas and even other cars throughout the country. With many owners against recent political actions taken by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the stickers have been rapidly growing in popularity.

Anthro asked the Paly community if they would put such message on their personal vehicle.

“No, because it’s kind of stupid. No one’s going to road rage at you just ‘cause you own a Tesla. So, I feel like it doesn’t really matter and you don’t need to put your political opinions out there like that.”

— Conrad Lui, sophomore

“I drive a 2009 Honda CR-V, and I saw that a lot of Teslas have those stickers on their car, and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s kind of funny, what if I put one on mine because my car has nothing to do with Tesla?”

— Maya Rajbhantari, senior

“Personally, as a student driver and as a new driver, I wouldn’t want to put anything like that on my car, just so I stay out of possibly dangerous situations.”

— Arabella Guinle, junior

“I think they’re funny and I enjoy it when I see it on other people’s cars, but I probably wouldn’t put it on my car because I wouldn’t want to attract more attention to the car than it already gets, since I think it’s too much of a statement.”

— Suzie Mondragon, junior

“I think it’s kind of stupid and also looks so stupid and dumb. I wouldn’t put it on my Tesla, because I think it’s a little cringy, and I feel like it’s already implied because a lot of people who bought Teslas may not really follow Elon, like my dad.”

— Keerthi Raj, junion

“So first of all I would definitely put one of these stickers on because I definitely feel that Elon Musk has gone from a normal businessman track to participating in government, and I really do want to separate the notion of doing business for making products versus doing politics.”

— Steven Rao, sophomore

anthromagazine.org

9

The cost of retribution Text and photos by MARCUS LING and MOTOKO IWATA

Photo Illustration by MARCUS LING

Retaliatory tariffs are affecting local businesses

T

he world has reeled had a hard time absorbing this under the impact of increase in operating costs.

Trump’s tariffs.

42% of small businesses have Since taking office, reported increased costs, with the president has levied tariffs 30% noting delay s in shipments on around 90 countries, includ- of goods, accor ding to a survey ing a most notable 30% tariff on by the National Small Business all imported Chinese goods.

Association An added element has been The tariffs are revealing an the uncertainty of the tariffs, as unstable trade system, with they have been imposed on and Goldman Sachs reporting that off. Trump recently met with over 70% of comp anies that imChina’s president Xi Jinping, port from Chin a lack viable alagreeing to temporarily pause ternatives from other countries. tariffs according to an article by As a result, small businesses, inthe New York Times. cluding those in the Bay Area, According to an official are struggling with rising prices White House statement issued and crumbling supply chains. on Feb. 13, 2025, Trump imOn April 27, local businessplemented the tariffs on the es gathered in a meeting orgagrounds that they will protect nized by San Jose Congressman domestic industries, punish un- Jimmy Panetta to express their fair trade practices, and reduce frustration with the recent tarthe trade deficit. iffs. A wide variety of businessHowever, American business- es ranging from gas stations to es are paying the price, which grocery stores were representgets passed down to consumers. ed, each citing concerns with According to research by increasing operating costs and the Pew Research Center, small price hikes. businesses make up 99.9% of Anthro spoke with local busibusinesses in the United States, nesses in down town Palo Alto and in the wake of recent tariffs, to learn more abou t how tariffs these businesses have especially are impacting them .

CC BY-NC License Photo by Wired.com

10

May 2025

Robbin Everson,

Owner of Alegio Chocolate

“The tariffs will lead to at least a 15 to 20% increase in our cost. Tariffs impact the psychological mood of the country and the people who are customers. Uncertainty is more impactful than the 10% tariff. So instead of buying two boxes, people might buy one box. Instead of buying a box, they might buy a bar.

And that I’m not saying that it’s happening, but it is a trend that could continue in the future, and that uncertainty can turn a recession into a depression, because it becomes a psychological barrier, and people are worried about losing their Social Security, losing their jobs.”

Paul Giani,

Store manager of Palo Alto Bicycles

“We don’t know if it’s impacted customers yet, but we have raised prices on bicycles, equipment, and accessories already. Manufacturers and distributors are implementing tariff costs, and we are implementing them here to cover those costs that were paid, just like everybody else. It stinks. Yet, I can’t say it has totally impacted our business.” People are still buying bicycles, clothing, apparel, shoes, and helmets.”

Marisa Lyssand,

Owner of Galerie Home & Garden

“I am getting emails from different vendors saying that the tariffs are coming into question and that they’re just navigating the waters as they come, since everything’s sort of topsy-turvy. I think they’re affecting everything.

It’s pretty wild. If I get charged more, I will have to pass it along to my customer. So I anticipate that prices will be going up. I think they [tariffs] are ridiculous and crazy, and I am super mad about it. I think it’s gonna slow down business, and people are scared and don’t know what to do. And so they’re just staying home, which is definitely affecting small businesses.”

anthromagazine.org 11

Pride in every stride Text by ARJUN JINDAL and MIHIKA SRIDHAR

Photos by ARJUN JINDAL

Building a community inclusive for all, one run at a time

O

n a chilly, foggy-shrouded The first meetups drew barely a dozSaturday morning at Palo en people to the Baylands Athletic CenAlto’s Baylands Nature Pre- ter. Acceptance was hardly guaranteed in serve, a circle of nearly 100 the early 90s, Yonke recalled, but the club runners and walkers gathers in the park- persisted and brought a basket of raining lot. Some pass around lemons from bow Baylands front-runner name tags to their garden, others invite members to the welcome anyone who showed up ready to next local drag show. Then, with a chorus move. By the mid-1990s, attendance beof barking dogs and shuffling shoes, they gan to gain momentum, picking up runstride down the levee trail just as they have ners from across the bay. every weekend since 1991.

“The club was [initially] important The Baylands FrontRunners is a run because we wanted to get medical benand walk club primarily for members of efits and stuff out of large Silicon Valley the LGBTQ+ community. The clubs help companies,” Yonke said. “And then the to organize events to support LGBTQ+ fight changed to gay marriage. We got charities and organizations. They are a all of this, and now they’re coming after part of the larger International Front- LGBTQ people again.” runners organization, Although the which has regional Frontrunners are not “We wanted to create a political organizagroups worldwide.

Across the globe, a safe space to run tion, recent events there are over 100 rehave sharpened their and be ourselves.” gional clubs, and over mission. They are —MARTIN YONKE, BayLands now fighting for the half are in the United FrontRunners member rights of the majority States.

Organizations of their members. like this one are very important in times Evie Kalmar, who is a member of the like these. The Trump Administration is BayLand FrontRunners board, reflects on focused on rolling back rights for mem- the results of these ever-changing times. bers of the LGBTQ+ community. In the “One group that we’ve been focusfirst two months of Trump being in of- ing on, especially with members who are fice, there were 17 anti-LGBTQ+ actions transgender, is gender minorities,” Kalfrom the government. mar said. “They are really under scrutiBack then, Silicon Valley offered few ny and are being attacked by the Federal public spaces where LGBTQ+ athletes Administration. Trying to make sure that could exercise openly. A handful of lo- people feel welcome, included, and that cals decided to change that, founding the they belong in our group, is something Baylands FrontRunners as the Peninsula that we’ve been working on this past year.” chapter of the global network of queer In times when people’s rights are berunning clubs. In his late 70s, founding ing stripped right in front of their eyes, member Martin Yonke still jogs the same having a community to rely on is of utfive-mile loop. He reflects on the purpose most importance. of the club.

“It’s so important to always be “We wanted to create a safe space to around other people with similar identirun and be ourselves,” Yonke said. ties, moral values, and similar interests,”

12

May 2025

Kalmar said. “I think that’s even more true during tumultuous times like these.”

The club’s commitment to giving back extends beyond running events and being an inclusive community. BayLand FrontRunners president, Rob Leasure, reminisces on club volunteers building a shaded pergola that sheltered picnickers near the park’s ranger station.

“We try and help our own community as well, as like participating in other races,” Leasure said.

This community service is not limited to this one event. Members fan out to help weed the invasive ice plant twice a year and collect windblown plastic along the tidal marsh.

“It’s about bringing people together who appreciate the same things, having fun and being fit at the same time,” said registrar Patrick Champagne. “The group is also inclusive of all, regardless of sexual orientation. We’re focused on LGBTQ+ [issues] but not limited to them.”

The club does not just try to raise money for local and national organizations for different causes. They also work to help individuals in the area.

“We’ve got, you know, a sponsorship program for the youth if they want to come into the club,” Leasure said. “We’ll actually fund their membership for the year, and we’ll help them participate in some races in the Bay Area.”

The focus for the BayLand FrontRunners has been and will always be providing a safe space for the community’s people in any way they can.

“It’s incredible to be part of an intergenerational community in particular, and getting to know all of these individuals with different life stories who’ve been through so much, and kind of come together every Saturday and every week to run or walk,” Kalmar said.

WALKING WITH FRIENDS: Members of the BayArea FrontRunners walk together as they reminise about their week. Many of them have been friends for over 10 years.

anthromagazine.org 13

Busing justice Text by MIHIKA SRIDHAR and AMILY ZHANG

The Tinsley Program gives students in the Ravenswood

O

n Feb. 2, the Department of white ones. According to the Urban Insti- Belmont-Redwood Shores.

Education in the federal gov- tute, policies and practices are used to deny There are often more students applying ernment released a public minorities like Black people from living in a than spots available, leaving some students portal called EndDEI.ED.Gov. rich neighborhood with abundant resourc- without the opportunity that they are eligiParents, students, and teachers can use the es. With that comes many socio-economic ble for. It is not a quick fix to just add enough website to report programs that they believe inequalities, resulting in the same policies spots to the program, though. Ian Bain, are classified as DEI to the federal govern- often disadvantage minority groups by de- executive director of strategy and commument. The day after the portal was launched nying them resources and investment, of- nications at the San Mateo County Office was the deadline the Trump Administration ten leading to inadequate schools. These of Education, explains that the number of set for all K-12 schools to abolish their DEI systemic barriers are the very types of in- students for the program was determined by programs. equities that DEI the court order. The county or the districts A c c o r d - “It’s given me the chance to programs aim to can not just change this number. ing to ABC address.

The program selects the students who News, DEI learn from amazing teachers In 1976, a get in through a lottery system. Families fill programs are group of over out the application a year before they want in PAUSD and be involved in ones that are 170 parents and to send their kid to school. From there, it is used to help clubs, organizations, and teams students filed a up to a few factors. Bain helps to run the fix problems lawsuit claiming lottery system that takes place. in organiza- I wouldn’t have had access to that their children “We consider other factors such as tions that can otherwise.” were not receiv- districts’ preferences for grade levels, and disproportioning the same lev- whether they have current siblings in the — JUSTUN KIM, senior ately hurt miel of educational district,” Bain said. “Families also have disnority groups. opportunities or trict preferences. Based on that, we put it These can include small actions such as the same quality. They said this was due to into an algorithm that determines the outmaking important information available in the isolation of their community which was come.” other languages to actively seeking to hire mostly minorities. They believed communiPalo Alto Unified School District is people from underrepresented groups. ties close to them without big minority pop- able to accept the largest number of stuCalifornia has refused to comply with ulations received better resources. The law- dents, at 60 kids. The rest of the districts the Trump Administration’s executive or- suit was settled 10 years later in 1986 when can accommodate five to 26 students, reder. California’s Department of Education the school districts took a settlement order. spectively. There used to be a total of 206 has stated there is nothing illegal about DEI The result was not only a spots open, but with programs. legal victory but also was Redwood City and The success of one such DEI program the start of a program “We want to help stuBelmont-Red wood is seen in the Palo Alto Unified School Dis- that focuses on correcting dents thrive across all Shores no longer partrict. The Tinsley Voluntary Transfer Pro- educational disparities, ticipating, that numgram has affected the lives of hundreds of highlighting the core goal districts.” ber lowered to 135. students in the area. of DEI. This limitation — IAN BAIN, executive director not only shows the Every day, kids from East Palo Alto The Tinsley Volunof strategy and communications at ever growing demand board buses that take them to different tary Transfer Program althe San Mateo County Office of for DEI-focused proschool districts around the area. Normally, lowed students who residEducation grams, but also the you have to live in an area to attend school ed in East Palo Alto and there. However, the Tinsley Voluntary attended a school in the structural constraints Transfer Program has changed this.

Ravenswood City School they face.

Minorities have long been pushed District to attend a school in a select number For many students, the program opens into certain cities everywhere in the Unit- of districts. Originally, Las Lomitas, Menlo doors to new opportunities. ed States. This often isolates them, making Park City, Palo Alto Unified, Portola Valley, Senior Justun Kim, a participant in the them a complete minority in cities versus all San Carlos, Woodside, Redwood City, and program, reflects on his experience and how

14

May 2025

across districts

Photo by CHAPIN WALKER

City School District better education opportunities it changed his life.

“I didn’t personally choose to be part of the Tinsley program — I was only four when my parents signed me up — but I’m really grateful they did,” Kim said. “It’s given me the chance to learn from amazing teachers in PAUSD and be involved in clubs, organizations, and teams I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise.”

Despite all the positives, there are still challenges that persist with the program.

One such problem for many students is transportation.

“It’s manageable for my family, but I can see how it could be hard for lower-in-

come families without multiple cars,” Kim said. “If a parent needs to take the only car to work, it can leave the rest of the family without a way to get to school or other activities.”

The Tinsley Voluntary Transfer Program has changed over time in PAUSD. In 2019, students who were a part of the program closed enrollment to four elementary schools. The intentions were to lower the bus ride times and try to stop the isolation of minority students. Instead, many parents were upset that the district had not asked them to weigh in on it. They felt pressured to either pull their kid out of the school where they

had gone for over a year or somehow find a new means of transportation.

The Tinsley Voluntary Transfer Program is trying to close gaps caused by social inequities due to isolated minority communities and de facto segregation. The purpose of this program, along with many other DEI is to help the students who need it. With DEI under attack at a national level, the Tinsley Program has grown from a local policy to a test, evaluating how willing local school boards are in addressing educational disparities.

“We want to help students thrive across all districts,” Bain said.

CATCHING THE BUS — Palo Alto High School students rush to catch the bus to go back home after a long day at school.

anthromagazine.org 15

Is money the

Text by JESHURUN WANG

to be exposed at her workplace, says Silicon Valley’s residents spend more than The wealth gap tions she does not want 30% of their income to be publicly between the rich and known as some- “The ranges in incomes are on rent.

The educator one who faces fi- almost as big as the range also acknowledged the poor is widening nancial stress for having a susof the income in the bot- that her family. tainable financial within Palo Alto She shares tom 80 because of the high budget is a challenge

A

t the heart of one of the world’s richest tech and innovation hubs, economic freedom is attainable — but only for a select crowd.

According to a study done by the newly released 2025 Silicon Valley Index, published by the Joint Venture Silicon Valley, just nine households hold more wealth than the bottom 50% in the San Mateo and Santa Clara regions.

With the obvious financial gap in the region, the report indicates that Silicon Valley still boasts 89 billionaires and 145,000 millionaires, while 30% of residents are not self-sufficient, and 37% of children still live in families at risk for food insecurity.

The same report also states that the top 1% of households now hold about 15% of the region’s collective liquid assets while the bottom 50% still “struggle to claim even a fraction of that pie,” the report says.

A Palo Alto High School educator, who resides in Palo Alto and requested to remain unnamed because she doesn’t want her financial condi-

16

May 2025

her experience for her and her famon how their fi- concentration of wealth we ily. nancial situation have in the United States “It is hard to differs from that manage a family of employees who right now.” budget being an edwork in majority ucator in a high-paid tech-based com— ERIC BLOOM, Paly economics area and still living panies. teacher here,” the educator “ Pe o said. ple come According to from all over the world with the report of the Silicon Valley Index, the money,” she said. “It’s hard to median home price in Palo Alto hit $1.92 compete being a teacher where million last year. Fewer than 26% of firstpeople from Google, Apple, time home buyers can afford this price and other high-tech compa- tag on homes. nies [have] earnings [that] are “It looks like it’s almost impossible much higher.” for educators to stay in the area,” the eduThe Silicon Valley Index cator said. “When I go and see other famreport also stated ilies who are not in education, they can that as a result afford more. I have to work multiple jobs of stagger- to make my dreams come true.” ing prices, Eric Bloom, a Paly teacher who half of teaches Economics and Macroeconomics, says the average resident in Palo Alto doesn’t have the same view on economics as the average working-class person living in Palo Alto.

“Even if you say the top 20 percent, the top quintile, it is still a huge portion of the economy,” Bloom said, “The ranges in incomes are almost as big as the range of the income in the bottom 80 because of the high con-

real issue?

Art by DOREEN HOU

centration of wealth we have in the United States right now.”

Bloom describes a giant gap within not just wealth, but also the living experience. He states this was especially the case for those who serve and work for the richer parts of the community.

“In a community like Palo Alto, you have a huge portion of the residents having no understanding of what it is like for those who are serving them, working for them, what their lives are like,” Bloom said.

Bloom complained about the ignorance of people leading governments or corporations to continue to treat people differently.

“A wealth gap and poverty persist in our society because we are blinded to its impacts,” Bloom said. “We shelter ourselves off and that allows us to facilitate a government that treats people the same way, that undervalues some and favors others.”

Brennan Bailey, a sophomore at Paly, said wealth inequality in Palo Alto was originally caused by racism.

“By separating the rich from the poor, it is an easy way to separate Black and White.”

Bailey said. “There is a really big noticeable difference between the racial makeup and economic makeup of the two places.”

According to Data USA, the most common racial or ethnic group in East Palo Alto is Hispanic, whereas the majority of people in Palo Alto are White.

East Palo Alto was plagued by the

history of redlining, where the technique was used by banks to refuse loans to residents living in areas deemed too poor, which might pose a potential financial risk for banks.

Redlining was used in Palo Alto in the 1950s, which caused an influx of Black residents into East Palo Alto.

The long-term impacts that the technique induced were reduced house ownership opportunities in Palo Alto.

This practice was later outlawed in 1968 with the passing of the Fair Housing Act. However, the lasting effects of redlining still influence the gap between East Palo Alto and Palo Alto.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the median household income in East Palo Alto is $104,832 as of 2023, while the median household income for Palo Alto is $220,408.

Even in the midst of all the financial pressure that lower-income residents might be facing, there is still a glimmer of hope for those who are dedicated to staying in Palo Alto.

“It’s okay, we can do this, but the only thing is how we can stay here,” the educator said.

“It is hard to manage a family budget being an educator in a highpaid area and still living here.”

— Paly educator

“It’s okay, we can do this, but the only thing is how we can stay here.”

— Paly educator

anthromagazine.org 17

A change in

Text and photos by MOTOKO IWATA and XANDER YAP

Transitioning to new leadership: Getting to know the outgoing

F T

or 13 years, Terri Baldwin served as the president of the Palo Alto Educators Association, the teachers union for PAUSD educators which, according to a PAEA page, represents over 800 certificated employees of the district. But now, Baldwin is stepping down and Tom Culbertson, the current vice president of the PAEA, will succeed her.

Anthro Magazine interviewed Baldwin and Culbertson to hear their perspectives on the past and the future.

erri Baldwin has been actively involved in the PAEA for 26 years and has been the union’s president for 13 years.

According to Baldwin, she’s decided to step down to pursue other passions.

“The teacher library position at Fletcher became available, and those don’t become available very often,” Baldwin said. “I have always been interested in that position, so I reflected and took time, and talked with our vice president. I decided that it would be best for me to step down this year so I could take on that new challenge.”

Baldwin said that she is proud of the things she has accomplished in her seven terms.

“I’m really proud of the significant contract gains we’ve made, particularly in special education working conditions, because our working conditions are students’ learning conditions,” Baldwin said. “We’ve done some really great things, but increasing membership participation has been the best.”

According to Baldwin, guiding member engagement is one of the most critical things for her role and the union.

“I really helped people get involved and engaged,” Baldwin said. “We had about 250 teachers come out to a board meeting.

That is the most [members] we’ve ever had involved.”

Baldwin said that she is excited for the future of the PAEA under Culbertson’s leadership.

“He [Culbertson] has been a great voice on our executive board,” Baldwin said. “I have a lot of confidence that he is going to build on what we’ve done. He’s going to do a great job, very thoughtful and caring.”

According to Baldwin, she is proud of the increased teacher participation she’s seen.

“We’re an organization that helps teachers represent themselves, not just to do the fighting for them, but to have everyone come together as a collective, because we’re stronger together,” Baldwin said. “Over the past few years, I’ve really seen that happen … Our educators go above and beyond every day.”

Baldwin said she is honored to have been able to serve the community.

“It’s truly been an honor to serve as the PAEA president this long,” Baldwin said.

“I’m really deeply grateful to our incredible educators who entrusted me with this responsibility. I leave this role proud of what we’ve accomplished together, because it really has been together, and I’m confident in our union strength.”

ON THE LEFT — Terri Baldwin reflects on her journey as the Palo Alto Educators Association president. Baldwin served as the PAEA president for 13 years, and is now retiring. “There’s always tough times, but there’s been a lot of support,” Baldwin said. “It’s been an honor.”

18

May 2025

leadership and incoming Palo Alto Educators Association presidents

T

om Culbertson has taught at Juana terested in meeting with all elected officials, Briones Elementary School for 15 school board members who represent this years and has served various PAEA community, city council members, and I roles as a site rep, executive board member, do want to express my openness to meetand part of the negotiations team. ing with community groups. That’s a really According to Culimportant part of bertson, he hopes “The things that I care about our partnership.” to draw on his Culbertson previous experi- are the working and living also wants to ence in his new conditions of our members.” continue champirole. oning key PAEA — TOM CULBERTSON, new PAEA president “I want to listen issues. and I want to un“The things derstand the culture of all these different that I care about are the working and living roles that I’ve been in,” Culbertson said. “I conditions of our members,” Culbertson believe that it’s really important for there to said. “I do believe that our working condibe continuity in our union, so the fact that tions and our morale affects the students’ I’ve had Terri as my mentor for the last cou- experience of education.” ple of years is a really important part of that.”

Despite his experience, Culbertson acknowledges that he’s new and says that a major goal will be to just learn the role.

“For my first year, I’ve got a bunch of different goals, including things like just learning this job,” Culbertson said. “Members of this union are really going to be the ones who are going to drive me and give me the guidance I need to respond and advocate for their needs.”

Culbertson said that he also wants to bring something new to the table.

“I’m going to be different,” Culbertson said. “I’m just not the same person. My plan is that I’m going to bring a different style to it [the role].”

Specifically, Culbertson aims to be accessible.

“I will have a public face that I will be providing,” Culbertson said. “I’m really in-

According to Culbertson, giving voice to teachers is also a key part of his role and the union.

“Educators have a strong sense of what are some of the best policy choices or policy pathways since we’re in the classroom all the time,” Culbertson said. “We [teachers] can be a part of the process of serving our students and making those policies. We can be a really valuable resource for the community.”

Culbertson said he will dedicate himself to serving the community.

“Starting on June 6, I’m going to be working seven days a week and 24 hours a day to strengthen our union and serve this community and serve this school district.”

ON THE RIGHT — Tom Culbertson speaks about his hopes for the future of the Palo Alto Educators Association. Culbertson will be taking over for the remainder of Baldwin’s term as the president of the PAEA. “I understand that as a collective, we’re moving everything forward in a positive way, slowly,” Culbertson said.

anthromagazine.org 19

A splash with Text by HENRY GERMAIN and RICHARD ZHANG

The University of South Carolina’s SpeakYourMIND challenge

O

ver a decade ago, the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Ice Bucket Challenge took the world by storm, becoming a worldwide trend, with many celebrities participating. The viral challenge aimed to spread awareness of ALS. In March, Wade Jefferson, a student at the University of South Carolina, began the SpeakYourMIND Ice Bucket Challenge, taking inspiration from the ALS challenge and the world by storm.

However, even with the new challenge’s sudden uprising among young adults and teenag-

20

May 2025

ers, some participants are not aware of its true meaning.

Even though they have missed the point, the Ice Bucket Challenge has still made a huge impact in helping spread mental health awareness.

According to the Parents Magazine,

the challenge has raised over $342,000 in donations for Active Minds, the nation’s largest nonprofit mental health organization, and these donations have helped remove stigma around mental health.

In an interview, Palo Alto High School sophomore Tom Li spoke about the new Ice Bucket Challenge and its sudden popularity and trendiness.

“I did it because all of my friends were doing it, and I didn’t really know about the mental health part of it,” Li said. “Things are very trendy these days. It’s really easy to be a trend, rather than trying to support something bigger.”

Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have amplified the challenge far beyond its roots, with teens and influencers participating. Yet, many have not mentioned the campaign’s original goal. Thousands of videos have been posted with people squealing from cold water, many without a word as to why the challenge started.

Similar to Li, Paly senior Sophie Williams admitted that she felt peer pressured to join the challenge, because many of her friends participated.

“I did it because all my friends were doing it, and I kept being nominated, so I gave in to the peer pressure,” Williams said.

Even though the Ice Bucket Chal-

no meaning Art by CHIARA MARTIN

Opinion

lost its purpose after going viral

lenge hasn’t completely come across as “Active Minds should proa fundraiser, participants should not be vide more guidance,” Williams blamed for missing the point. said. “I feel like they [Active As Li and Williams mentioned, it is Minds] could do something with easy to go with the trend without think- a direct end goal, rather than ing much of it, just dumping a which is what of water “Things are very trendy bucket happened for on yourself.” numerous par- these days. It’s realThe Speaticipants. kYourMind Ice ly easy to be a trend, Bucket ChalOn top of the peer pres- rather than trying to lenge can be sure, another consupport something big- easily reason so many fused simply p a r t i c i p a n t s ger.” as a trend, are oblivious to and making the true meantheir mo— TOM LI, ing of the chaltives more sophomore lenge is that direct could there were few help Active ways for people to find out about it. Minds inform more peoReading the news could inform readers ple about its goals, leadabout the challenges’ intentions, but ing to even more donamost high school students don’t keep tions. tight track of the Despite news. the whopping “I think people are The main way numbers Acmore likely to go on tive Minds has participants could have heard about trends rather than raised since the mental health challenge advocate for some- the aspect of the chalcame to life, lenge is by word thing like mental there are still or a small @ in the par ticipants health.” corner of each ice who aren’t bucket social meaware of its — OKIKI ASOGBA, dia post, linking real purpose. freshman the viewer to the The SpeakYoActive Minds InstaurMind Ice gram account.

Bucket Challenge hasn’t With such scarce methods for par- even sniffed its ceiling yet, ticipants to understand the challenge, and with time and some Williams considers some alternatives adjustments, we can see that could get the word out better. the true potential of it.

anthromagazine.org 21

Yes, you are a feminist Stop warping the meaning of feminist to become an insult

22

May 2025

B

elieve it or not, you are a feminist. ther than just simply rejecting the word; it actuOr rather, a large portion of the ally molds into a disgust towards the movement, population is. If you believe that something that’s unacceptable more now than women and men should be treated ever. With the growing popularity of Andrew equally, in the most fundamental and com- Tate and other vocal misogynists sharing and plex sense, then you are, in fact, a feminist. blasting their beliefs on the internet for milHowever, after the overuse and misuse of lions of people, it pokes fun at the word ‘femthe word, being labeled a feminist has soon inist’ and actually creates, as a result, a “manolost its vigor and has become an insult from sphere”. According to the Canadian Museum of the rest of its audience.

Human Rights, “manosphere influencers often In a 2018 YouGov poll, only 34% of assert the unfounded idea that men are naturalwomen said “yes” when asked if they were ly dominant,” and thus feel the need to downa feminist. In the same exact poll, over 80% play our existence. of men and women agreed that women and By making feminists, or rather anybody men should be treated equally, even agree- who dares to disagree with them, feel embaring that sexism is still an issue. rassed about calling themselves that term or So why does such a relatively straight- agreeing with their views, these sexists are funforward word like damentally dismanfeminist or feminism tling the camarahold such a negative Being called a feminist is derie that built the connotation that in the what ignited the fire within us movement people would rathfirst place. They feel er jump through to speak out and demand our the need to downhoops than simply play the historic call themselves it? rights, and it won’t go away wins and successes Has the world truly due to the misrepresentation by talking down turned backwards, to us the same way or have the waves of of the world. they talk to vegans, feminism produced a like children. Asreverse effect of the serting to the milword instead of empowering it? lions of followers that by calling yourself, and As we are entering the fourth wave of thus being, a feminist, you are too “cringe” or feminism, this new era has made it easy, overly “radical”, they turn such a monumental even too easy, to comment, repost, and de- word into a joke. fend your viewpoint on the internet. Even But, this doesn’t simply end at squashing though it's fueled by dislike buttons and the word “feminist”; it expands to a global Twitter trolls, this new start of feminism disrespect for what the movement stands for: takes more of a liberal and inclusive out- equality and justice for all. All the progress the look on feminism, which, while it pushes us centuries of feminists have made can simply be forward, still momentarily tugs us back. ignored with one hateful comment calling us “Yet, despite all the amazing things “radical feminists.” But being called a feminist that feminism has achieved and aims to is what allowed women to vote, allow them to achieve in the future, the word feminism open their own bank accounts, allow them have seems to have developed into, for many, not their own education, and allow them to make representing what it really stands for,” ac- autonomous decisions. Being called a feminist cording to The Egalitarian, an online blog is what ignited the fire within us to speak out that focuses on the future of feminism, ac- and demand our rights, and it won’t go away tivism, and liberation, writer Elysia O'Neill due to the misrepresentation by the world. said.

So, yes, you are a feminist, whether you’d According to a BBC article written by like to call yourself or not. It may not be “cool” Dr Christina Sharff, a lecturer at King's to call yourself one, but I believe it's our duty to College London, she’s found in her own call ourselves a feminist to respect not only the research associations between the word millions of activists who sacrified themselves feminist and “man-hating, lesbianism or fighting for our rights, but the millions more in lack of femininity.”These extreme views are the upcoming generation defending the road added to the toxic rhetoric surrounding the they paved for us. meaning behind the women’s rights movement and thus, create a powerful world that Text by LARA DUMANLI pushes forward the centuries of sexist laws.

However, this backlash stretches fur- Art by VIVIAN TANG

anthromagazine.org 23

Local activism roundup Text by VIVIAN TANG and VIVIAN LIN

Community of unlikely activists rises up in uncertain times Raging Grannies

F

ounded in 1987 in Victoria, British Columbia, The Raging Grannies is an activist organization of elderly women who use satirical songs and chants to advocate for various social and political causes, from climate action to anti-war efforts. There are now over 60 Raging Grannies chapters across the world. According to a protester who refers to herself as Granny Ruth, who is part of the Palo Alto chapter ,says the group originally focused on climate issues and anti-war advocacy after 9/11.

“We [the United States] went right into the Iraq War, and we [The Raging Grannies] started going to San Francisco for the big rallies in 2003 and that’s what really got us going,” Granny Ruth said. “... organizing anti war actions was a little bit beyond our ability…so we started joining actions [with other organizations for protests].”

One of the Raging Grannies’ most notable advocacy tactics is their use of chants to catchy tunes and theatrical performances. The Palo Alto chapter of the Raging Grannies stands in front of the Palo Alto City “... Getting people to sing along is powerful, and we know Hall advocating for action against polluters in the city during the annual Earth Day protest on April 18. (Photo by Vivian Lin) that from people like Pete Seeger … who during the Vietnam era got people out singing,” Ruth said. “It really built solidarity and made people feel like they could be part of a movement.”

Let’s Talk Unite

L

et’s Talk Unite is a local student-run non profit dedicated to combating political polarization by stimulating dialogue across the political spectrum. Charlotte Kofman, co-president of Let’s Talk Unite and junior at The Kehillah School in Palo Alto, said that the organization mainly focuses on hosting different events — such as workshops, digital resources, and their “Let’s Talk Polarization” podcast — for teens to learn about how they can actively fight polarization.

“Our goal is to give people civil discourse tools and allow them to check their own biases, and we do that through workshops at different high schools and middle schools, and with the City of Palo Alto,” Kofman said.

Let’s Talk Unite hosts an event where over 1000 participants reflected on racial Such workshops teach the younger generation to interact biases and discriminatory practices and experiences in honor of MLK Jr Day at Mitchell Park Library on January 20. (Photo by Averie Chiang) with the political sphere on social media and also to widen their political perspective by interacting with people with different views. express their own opinions. One way they do this is through their “Those workshops give people skills that they can then employ annual editorial contest, which pushes teens to research, ponder, on social media when they’re looking at extremist points of views and express their opinions on pressing issues. and when they’re engaging with people who don’t agree with them, “A lot of what youth voice in politics is what’s on social mebecause that’s something we encourage people to do in our work- dia, but with our editorial contest, it gives high schoolers the ability shops, they can use those civil, disparate skills to talk to them, kind to like share what their opinions are, and to read what other high of widen their political perspective,” Kofman said. schoolers are thinking that’s not influenced by algorithms or social Kofman also said that Let’s Talk Unite encourages teens to media restrictions or what’s just like being fed to them,” Kofman participate in political dialogue across the political spectrum and said.

24

May 2025

Text by HADRIEN DE MARTEL

MEETING — School board President Shana Segal attends one of the Environment and Medicine Club’s meetings. “She [Segal] came to our club to talk about how it’s going, and the essence of sustainability in Palo Alto, and what she wants to do to change and make it better,” Co-President Sid Iyer said. Photo courtesy of Sid Iyer.

Activism club spotlight

The Environment and Medicine Club is pushing for sustainability

T

he newly founded Palo Alto High School Environment and Medicine Club is teaching elementary schoolers about living green, converting Paly’s school buses to electric, and getting rid of plastic in school lunches.

Co-presidents and co-founders Anika Deshpande and Sid Iyer started the club last semester due to their interest in biology and the environment. The club’s original purpose was purely educational, however, the club shifted focus after a successful school board meeting about the removal of plastic in school cafeterias.

“Our original goal was to educate students and give them a platform to see where they could be volunteering, and we wanted to promote volunteering opportunities for kids at Paly,” Deshpande said.

“But it ended up going further into the activist side because I remember we decided to speak at one of the PAUSD board meetings.”

After the board meeting, Deshpande said that school board President Shana Se-

gal reached out to attend one of the club’s meetings. Since then, the club has been trying to work closely with the school board in order to provide a student voice on sustainable practices at schools.

“We suggested that the board incorporate student voices in the sustainability committee and we had suggested that they add a seat for student voices that can be filled by our club,” Deshpande said.

The club is also pushing for the removal of plastic from school cafeterias by piloting new biodegradable and compostable items. To support the program, the club applied for a grant.

“We applied for some grants … and it’s up to $5,000 and we’re pretty hopeful, and we think we can get it,” Iyer said.

The money will be used to support a variety of other efforts as well, like increasing the amount of education workshops. One example of an education workshop was a recent event where club members presented to over 80 third graders about sustainability practices at Palo Verde.

“We started presenting to elementary schools, and we’re trying to implement sustainability at a younger age,” Iyer said.

Deshpande said that many other schools have shown interest, but the club needs more funding to host more of these education workshops.

Another project the club is pursuing, according to Iyer, is making school buses more environmentally friendly.

“Right now we’re especially fighting for electrifying the white fleet, which means that we want to make all the school buses electric,” Iyer said.

Some of the school buses students use have already been converted, but many of the buses that maintenance workers and landscapers use are still gas-powered.

So far, Iyer says that the Paly faculty have been very supportive, but he warns that change will still take time.

“They’re not against working with us, but it does take time to try and set up a meeting and talk with other people and go forward with it [the club’s plans],” Iyer said.

anthromagazine.org 25

26

May 2025

Advertise at the Incubator!

Magazines include: Anthro, Via Verde, Veritas, Ink, Proof, Chomp

anthromagazine.org

27