Undergraduate Commencement: Class of 2025 says goodbye
■ Prof. Jonathan Sarna ’75 GSAS MA ’75 and Hana Renate Klempnauer Miller ’25
On Sunday, May 18 the Brandeis undergraduate class of 2025 received their diplomas as recently retired Brandeis professor Jonathan Sarna ’75 GSAS MA’75 provided the keynote commencement address. As students filled their seats in a great procession, alumni of the class of 1975 followed them into the auditorium, marking their 50th graduation anniversary.
Interim President Arthur Levine ’70 then read his remarks. In the speech Levine shared anecdotes pointing to the bittersweet nature of leaving college. He argued that students need to be able to look at themselves and feel proud, especially as they make a difference in their communities, families’ lives and future workplaces. In closing, he addressed the class of 2025 directly saying, “Follow your heart, the lifetimes a long time to do something you don't want to do.”
Next, Sarna shared how his own graduation 50 years ago mirrored the ceremony occuring today. He explained how peaking inflation and high unemployment rates rattled him and his classmates all amid a backdrop of conflict in the Middle East. Familiar to students, Sarna solidified the connection by comparing the Yom Kippur War of 1973 to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in 2023. He called these times “dark days on campus” recognizing how history doesn't repeat itself, but it “nearly rhymes.” He bore no direct mention of the Israel-Hamas War or this year’s student protests, though he did note the University’s “radical” and “militant” activism in the 1960s.
He urged the students and faculty to reawaken a collective response to current affairs in order to reaffirm Brandeis as an “academic center for Jewish leaders.” Importantly, Sarna directed listeners to follow the advice of the commencement speaker at his graduation, Senator Edward Kennedy: Be the “sober generation.” In other words, stay moderate, be mature, be nuanced and remain calm. Do not be swayed by the intoxication of power and instead “seek balance in our actions and character.” His remarks completed with the statements “aim at the happy medium” and “keep calm and stay sober.”
Hana Renate Klempnauer Miller ’25 then gave the undergraduate student address. She began by congratulating her fellow graduates, stating enthusiastically, “Class of 2025, we made it!” Miller majored in
Health: Science, Society, and Policy and Anthropology, with a minor in Legal Studies and graduated with high honors. She highlighted the unique nature of Brandeis and how students immerse themselves in a range of disciplines. “Brandeis is truly a place unlike any other,” she remarked. Miller emphasized that she entered the University “wholly uncertain of who [she] could be,” but it was the institution’s faculty, peers and culture that enabled opportunities and extensive growth.
Her speech emphasized a quote from Henry David Thoreau, “be not simply good; be good for something.” Miller explained this to mean, “aim above morality.”
It is not enough to think about change in the world, one must act. She explained how Brandeis fosters this action oriented thinking and that the student body embodies this motto. She called Brandeisians’ dedication to enacting positive change in the world to be the “life blood of the people” and that “the spirit of good lives in this place [Brandeis].”
Miller stated that she does not fear the future even with the consideration of the uncertain and often strifeful state of the world. She attributed this optimism to Brandeis’ ability to, “turn lessons into change.”
She emphasized this notion and inspire her fellow graduates into action. “We are relentless,” she stated, “persist, lean into fear…be unshakable…make hope possible everyday.” She then looked to the future, describing this next point in the graduates' lives as one of excitement and promise.
Miller ended her speech by calling back to Thoreau and telling her fellow graduates once again to theorize about the future they want, to use what they have learned and create that world.
After Miller’s student address, the students were called to the stage by Alumni Association President Amy Cohen ’85 to accept their diplomas and new graduate status. Smiles adorned many peoples’ faces; some also added decorations to their graduation regalia. Hollers and claps from the crowd echoed through the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center as graduates waved from the stage. As they walked up to Levine they also greeted and thanked Provost Carol Fierke and Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Jeffrey Shoulson. Many students adorned themselves with culturally significant accessories, while some brought flags to represent their home countries and values. Approximately three students held Palestinian flags and some graduates chose not to engage with administrators, while most shook Levine’s hand, or made brief comments to him.
As the ceremony came to an end, graduates and those close to them scattered about campus. Groups took photos and embraced while enjoying the sunny day.
■ The ceremony celebrated the departure of graduates and acquainted community members with honorary degree recipients Shirley Ann Jackson and Jim Obergefell.
By SOPHIA DE LISI AND JULIA HARDY JUSTICE EDITOR IN CHIEF AND JUSTICE MANAGING EDITOR
On May 18, the Brandeis community gathered in the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center to celebrate the University’s 74th Graduate Commencement. This ceremony acknowledged the achievements of students from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis International Business School and Rabb School of Continuing Studies and named two honorary degree recipients, Shirley Ann Jackson and Jim Obergefell.
The ceremony featured two main keynote speeches. As a recipient of the Doctorate of Science, Shirley Ann Jackson delivered the first address, with Giselle Gabriel, Heller MA Sustainable International Development ’25, to follow. Both speakers emphasized themes of community, passion and excellence.
Jackson shared her educational and career journey with the graduates and audience as a way to show how skills from all disciplines can come together to create a better world. She was the first African American woman to receive a Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and only the second African American woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in physics. She has been a leader in her field of theoretical physics, as well as in higher education, taking her knowledge and applying it to academia, government and industry. Currently, she works at the AT&T Bell Laboratories.
She has had many leadership roles, including president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for
23 years, co-chair of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board and chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for four years. She also served as a member of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Additionally, Jackson is a member of the International Security Advisory Board of the U.S. Department of State, the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board and the Defense Science Board in the U.S. Department of Defense. She served on the board of directors for multiple companies including FedEx, International Business Machine and Medtronic.
In addition, Jackson has earned the National Medal of Science, which is an award given by the president of the United States to those who have made significant contributions to the advancement of science and engineering.
Upon receiving her honorary doctorate degree, she expressed, “I accept this honor with deep gratitude not only as a scientist, policy maker and educator, but as someone who understands what it means to be given a chance and to use that chance in service of something greater.”
Jackson said that she was guided by the adults in her life to work hard and strive for greatness. Jackson provided an account of her grandfather, a veteran of the Second World War who earned a bronze star. Jackson stated that “his words of advice became a guiding light in my life,” and that he always said to “aim for the stars so you can reach the treetops, and at least you’ll get off the ground.”
Jackson took with her this lesson to aim high as she moved through her life. She explained how she grew up in a world of “great upheaval,” with the Civil Rights Movement, school desegregation and the space race. The 1954 Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education, “opened wider the doors of public education to African Americans children like [her],” and the space race resulted in an increased effort to educate students in science and technology.
After testing into an accelerated math curriculum in seventh grade, Jackson continued to break down barriers. She was one of two African Ameri-
HARDY
STUDENT ADDRESS: Giselle Gabriel, Heller MA SID '25 delivers her speech.
By LUCIA THOMAS AND IYLA LICHENFELD JUSTICE NEWS EDITORS
XILEI CECI CHEN/The Justice
COMMENCEMENT: Prof. Jonathan Sarna '75 GSAS MA (NEJS) delivers speech as graduates listen.
POLICE LOG
Medical Emergency
May 2 – There was a medical emergency for a patient feeling chest pain. The patient was treated and transported to a local hospital.
May 2 – There was a medical emergency for an intoxicated patient. The patient was treated and was transported to a local hospital.
May 3 – There was a medical emergency for a patient having trouble breathing. The patient was treated and was transported to a local hospital.
May 3 – There was a medical emergency for a patient with a back injury. They were treated and refused further medical care.
May 6 – There was a report of indecent exposure. The patient was transported to a local hospital.
May 6 – There was a medical emergency for a patient feeling stomach pains. The patient refused medical care.
May 9 – There was a medical emergency for an unresponsive person. The patient was treated and transported to a local hospital.
May 11 – There was a medical emergency for a person who had cut themselves. The patient was treated and transported to a local hospital.
Motor Vehicle
May 4 – There was a report of a disruptive person in a vehicle. All appeared to be in order.
May 5 – There was a vehicle damaged in a parking lot. There will be an investigation to follow.
May 9 – There was a report of a suspicious vehicle with a person eating inside. All appeared to be in order.
May 12 – Services were rendered to a vehicle involved in a past motor vehicle accident involving a University van.
Miscellaneous
May 2 – There was a report of a violation of a harassment prevention order. There will be an investigation to follow.
May 4 – There was a report of a strong odor of natural gas. All appeared to be in order.
May 5 – There was a report of a suspicious person. The report was unfounded.
May 5 – Vandalism was found on a wall. The situation was cleared.
May 6 – A suspicious voicemail was left on an office phone. There will be an investigation to follow.
May 7 – Suspicious luggage was identified with a phone number inside. The owner reported they had thrown it out earlier. The situation was cleared.
May 8 – There was a noise complaint. The Department of Community Living was notified to respond.
May 8 – Graffiti was reported on a Brandeis sign. There will be an investigation to follow.
May 9 – There was a complaint of loud music. The Department of Community Living was notified to respond.
May 9 – A party wished to speak with a detective. There will be an investigation to follow.
May 9 – There was a follow up to a report regarding harassment. There will be an investigation to follow.
May 10 – There was a noise complaint. Subjects were gone upon arrival.
May 11 – A suspicious package was identified. All appeared to be in order.
May 12 – A suspicious package was identified. All appeared to be in order.
May 12 – There was a report of a stolen bicycle. There will be an investigation to follow.
May 13 – There was a report of suspicious activity related to a person. There will be an investigation to follow.
May 13 – There was a report of a stolen bicycle. There will be an investigation to follow.
May 14 – There was a suspicious person sitting in a bus shelter. The patient was transported.
May 14 – There was a report of a stolen guitar. There will be an investigation to follow.
What to know about the University’s incoming class of 2029
■ With the implementation of new curricula and the institution’s lackluster reputation, concerns about enrollment reveal hesitations about the University’s future.
By IYLA LICHTENFELD JUSTICE NEWS EDITOR
Across the nation, high school students selected which universities they will attend this fall. With enrollment rates falling over the past few years, this year meant more than most for Brandeis. To compensate, the University is doing everything they can to make the institution more appealing to prospective students.
At a town hall meeting held on March 31, Interim President Arthur Levine ’70 discussed reducing tuition by 50% and eliminating merit aid, claiming that the “discount approach” would maintain Brandeis’ status without causing financial strains on students. He also noted the influence of the capital campaign Brandeis has been pushing as motivatation for the University to make changes. The campaign aims to raise $750,000,000 to one billion dollars.
In the backdrop of these immense efforts, Amy Morton,
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS
■ A news article’s subtitle was incorrectly cut off, reading, “The Student Union reflected on its accomplishments and swore in President Ria Escamilla-Gil ‘27.” It was corrected to, “The Student Union reflected on its accomplishments and swore in President Ria Escamilla-Gil ‘27 and Vice President Daniel Shin ‘27.” (April 29, Page 1).
■ A news article incorrectly spelled president as “presidient.” It was corrected to “president.” (April 29, Page 1).
■ A news caption incorrectly spelled receives as “recives.” It was corrected to “receives.” (April 29, Page 5).
■ A news photo credit was incorrectly affixed to a photo, reading “James Li/The.” It was corrected to “James Li/The Justice.” (April 29, Page 5).
The Justice welcomes submissions for errors that warrant correction or clarification. Send an email to editor@thejustice.org.
is the
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Brandeis’ senior vice president of marketing communications, shared that “we are actively admitting students from the waitlist” as enrollment for the class of 2029 is ongoing. In a May 11 interview with The Justice Morton shared, “final enrollment numbers will be available in the fall.” Expectations for the class are high as they will be the first welcomed after Ronald Liebowitz’s time as president of the University. Through the intense selection of these undergraduates, it will be revealed whether Levine’s financial, political and cultural crusade has succeeded.
However, toward the end of this spring semester much of Levine’s public commentary, especially regarding campus protest and student rights to freedom of speech, mirrored that of his predecessor. This unchanged stance has become difficult for students and faculty who wished to see movement away from Liebowitz’s administrative ideologies. The question looms as to how many prospective students have been persuaded or deterred by current student and administration political activity.
The development of Brandeis rests in the hands of its incoming class who will have access to new and updated curricula. This includes courses in engineering, with a major becoming available to the class of 2030, and the inclusion of “competency certificates” for students to display their practical skills to employers. Furthermore, University Writing Seminars, now called First Year Seminars, have undergone significant changes. Naturally, the class of 2029 will be the
first to experience these opportunities without knowledge of previous curricula challenges or restructuring.
Class statistics will determine the fate of the midyear program wherein Brandeis accepts a smaller number of students to begin in the spring semester as opposed to the fall. Morton indicated that “while Brandeis did not enroll a midyear class for the 2024-25 academic year, that decision does not reflect a permanent policy change.” This resulted in rumors that the program would be closing to boost Brandeis’ future acceptance rates. Morton did not state whether there will be a midyear class during the 2025-26 academic year, but she did note that “we will be welcoming transfer students for the spring 2026 semester.”
Morton emphasized, “we evaluate enrollment plans annually,” meaning if there is no midyear program for 2025-26, the same may not be true for 2026-27. Nonetheless, the uncertainty surrounding the state of the program highlights the general uneasiness of the current student population towards the class of 2029.
With the updating and inception of several programs, alterations to tuition and Brandeis’ capital campaign emerging, the class of 2029 sits at an important position representing the future of the University. As statistics and demographics will be made public in the fall, they will demonstrate whether Brandeis has truly revolutionized itself amid issues of transparency and students’ rights.
— Compiled by Iyla Lichtenfeld
The University restructures its University Writing Seminar for fall of 2025
■ The program will now include greater flexibility, more diverse faculty across disciplines and change its name to First Year Seminar.
By JUSTIN RUBENSTEIN JUSTICE STAFF WRITER
Starting next fall, the University Writing Program — the first year writing program which includes composition seminars and University Writing Seminars — will be restructuring as “first-year seminars.” This change was primarily initiated by the Dean
of Arts and Sciences office when they established a committee to do a “five-year review of the Brandeis Core Curriculum,” according to an email sent to The Justice from Lisa Rourke, the director of the University Writing Program, and Katrin Fischer, who is the director of First Year Writing. The committee laid out how they took feedback from faculty, staff, alumni and students, in addition to reviewing “Brandeis Core learning objectives [and] curricular and financial data, and faculty, students, alumni and staff feedback.” They concluded that one of the priorities was making the curriculum more flexible, in addition to introducing students to faculty from other disciplines outside the University Writing Program. The changes to the new curriculum include a wider range of “topic-driven seminars from different disciplines,” which will “feature a selection of readings that align with its themes, stimulating discussion,
deepening understanding and serving as a foundation for writing assignments.” In addition, students will learn how “to formulate meaningful arguments, support them with observations and evidence, and convey them clearly and persuasively … Students will also learn to identify some of the conventions of disciplinary writing so that they can apply their writing skills to courses in their major and throughout the Brandeis curriculum.” The program will also offer more flexibility compared to previous seminars and will require different writing assignments for each course, compared to the old university writing seminar, which had the same types of assignments no matter the topic.
The website says that in the program “students will learn to identify the conventions of disciplinary writing, enabling them to apply these skills across their major courses and throughout the broader Brandeis curriculum.” It also lists six goals including: Mak -
ing an effective writing process including Revisions, the ability to access arguments and central ideas in texts, generate original questions and research, construct “well-reasoned arguments and substantiate them with observations and evidence,” identity, evaluate and use sources responsibly, provide feedback effectively and develop the ability to distinguish differences across different disciplines.
The classes offered this upcoming academic year include some taught in years past, such as “Darwinian Dating: The Evolution of Human Attraction” by Prof. Elissa Jacobs (UWS), in addition to new topics taught by department professors like “Muslims, Christians, and Jews in Medieval Spain” by Prof. Jonathan Decter (NEJS) and humanities fellow specific first year seminars. A full list of topics will be available on Brandeis’ first year seminar website.
Brandeis Jewish Bund members demonstrate during Israel Week event
■ Israel Fest was one of seven student-led events held for Israel Week. Halfway through the festival, protesters associated with the Brandeis Jewish Bund disrupted the scene.
By SOPHIA DE LISI JUSTICE EDITOR IN CHIEF
On May 1, Brandeis Hillel held Israel Fest among the Fellows Garden Blue Booths at noon to “celebrate Israeli resilience.” The outdoor festival featured an art installation and candles to light in honor of those impacted by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack and the subsequent Israel-Hamas War.
This year, Brandeis Hillel’s student organizers commemorated Israel’s 77th Independence Day with Israel Week, offering a series of events that celebrate various aspects of Israeli culture “in all of its forms,” according to a May 2 Instagram post. Accordingly, the festival offered samples of Israeli foods, artwork, music, games and discussion poster boards. Festival participants wrote on Post-it Notes about aspects of Israel that they love and what gives them hope for “peace-building efforts.” Some tables also promoted char -
ity raffles and donation opportunities.
At about 1:45 p.m., approximately 11 protesters in full facial coverings gathered unannounced in the middle of the festival, carrying a large sign that read “Murder Fest” in block letters. They chanted phrases such as “Free, free Palestine” and “Brandeis, Brandeis, you can’t hide, you’re supporting genocide.” The protesters created a cacophony of noise as their music, rangeing from Palestinian refrains to Green Day, overlapped with the festival’s Israeli tracks.
Many festival attendees immediately began taking recordings and photos on their phones, some challenging the protesters to remove their face coverings. “Take off your mask, you know what you’re doing is wrong,” one student said.
While protestors initially settled between two of the Blue Booths, they shortly relocated to the large grass patch in Fellows Garden after a short exchange with a faculty member wearing a “Student Support” vest. They then stood a conscious distance from the festival activities and its attendees. One of the faculty members in a “Student Support” vest declined to provide The Justice with a comment. The protesters also declined to comment.
One student shared with The Justice that they were in the middle of donating to a medical organization when the protesters intervened. They did not engage with the demonstrators as “the only way forward is peace and actual civil conversation.” To this
BRIEF
student, the demonstrators’ chanting was not productive conversation.
Across from the protesters united behind their “Murder Fest” banner, festival attendees linked arms with one another to chant a Jewish song for peace in response to the Bund. One group of five students brandished the back of a poster used for festival tabling towards the protesters opposite of them, having used the blank side of it to write a message in Hebrew.
In an exchange with The Justice, one of the students explained that the song their group was chanting was a commandment to love all friends as yourself. The message they wrote on their poster in Hebrew was a verse from Isaiah 2:4: “nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”
“I wish I could talk to these people and not sing at them to get my point across,” the same student expressed. “It’s really upsetting that we have to put our entire belief system on a sign that means nothing.” They recognized one of the demonstrators as someone they have a class with — someone they regularly see in the Goldfarb and Farber Libraries.
Another festival attendee crossed the wide gap in the grass field separating the groups to offer the protesters bottles of water. When the demonstrators refused, the student remarked that “everyone needs water” as they “are also people who are in the sunlight.”
The demonstrators ultimately departed the festival at approximately 2:15 p.m., leaving
a chorus of chanting attendees telling them to “go study” among other calls for them to leave.
In a May 1 Instagram post, Brandeis Hillel expressed its gratitude to the University for relocating the protest. The organization said that it would be in contact with University faculty to determine further protocols that prioritize students’ safety and prevent future event disruptions. Despite these concerns, Hillel highlighted the contributions of its student leaders: “In a tense moment on campus, we’re especially proud of students who continue to lead with calm, courage and derekh eretz — a foundational Jewish value of decency and respect for others.”
Rabbi Seth Winberg, Hillel’s executive director, echoed this sentiment to students in a May 1 statement. He wrote that a “spiritual core principle,” derekh eretz , reminds the community that “basic decency and respect for others precedes everything else.” Rabbi Winberg praised the Hillel student leaders for modeling this concept and especially for doing so in “moments of challenge.”
“Hillel remains unwavering in our commitment to providing a vibrant, welcoming space for Jewish life on campus — including opportunities to celebrate and connect with Israel. We will not be intimidated or deterred,” Rabbi Winberg wrote.
— The Justice Managing Editor, Julia Hardy ’26 contributed to the reporting of this article.
Brandeis University forms a committee to search for a new president with faculty leaders appointed
Two emails sent to the Brandeis community members on May 15 reveal how the University’s leadership will continue to change in the coming months. After hundreds of nominations and deliberation with the faculty senate, Interim President Arthur Levine `70 and Carol Fierke, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs, chose the interim deans of several schools of study. Prof. Harleen Singh (GRALL/WGS) will lead the School of Arts, Humanities and Culture. Prof. Susan Birren (NEUR/BIOL) will lead the School of Science, Engineering and Technology. Prof. Linda Bui (ECON) will lead the School of Business and Economics. Prof. Sara Shostak (HSSP) will lead the School of Social Sciences and Social Policy.
In addition to interim academics deans, two vice provosts were announced. Jeffrey Shoulson will be vice provost for undergraduate affairs and dean of undergraduate studies, and Charles Golden will be vice provost for graduate affairs. Both the interim academic deans and the vice provosts will begin their roles on July 1, 2025.
In a separate email, Lisa R. Kranc ‘75, who is chair of the board, revealed that a Presidential Search Committee has been formed. She thanked Levine for his dedication and hard work since taking on the position in November 2024. She called him, “anything but a lame duck.”
The committee consists of multiple University stakeholders and is co-chaired by members of the Board of Trustees, Cynthia Shapira and Adam Rifkin. A full list of committee members can be found on the Office of Human Resources website. According to Kranc, both Shapira and Rifkin have
“experience in executive level searches” in education and are, “committed to a collaborative and inclusive process.”
The committee will be responsible for producing criteria to guide the search, taking stock of the community’s insights, conducting an extensive national search with the guidance of an external search firm, selecting and ensuring candidates qualifications and capabilities and finally, with the community’s advice, the committee will put together a small number of candidates for the Board of Trustees to interview and eventually determine a president.
Kranc shared ways that community stakeholders can give their input and remain updated on the situation. She ended the email with optimism, stating that she and the Board hope the search “will lead to deeper connections and a continued sense of unity within the Brandeis community.”
She promised more information to be forthcoming in emails and advised those interested to visit the presidential search website.
— Lucia Thomas
ISRAEL FEST: Attendees link arms and chant across from demonstrators.
DEMONSTRATORS: The Brandeis Jewish Bund displays its “Muder Fest” banner.
XILEI CECI CHEN/The Justice
XILEI CECI CHEN/The Justice
GRADUATION: graduate students walked Gosman stage and received their diplomas
can women in her first-year class at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. As Jackson was choosing her major, one professor told her that “colored girls should learn a trade. So, I chose physics as my trade,” she told an applauding audience.
Jackson took her experience, academically and beyond, to pass on a lesson and words of advice to the graduating class. She explained that as a physicist she was “trained to look for order in chaos. Not to impose it, but to understand the deeper patterns within it. And I have found that this skill applies not only to neutrines or charge density waves, but also to institutions, public systems and global crises. But the bigger lesson I learned is that science is never separate from society.”
She explained how she has been “very fortunate to have been able to use [her] scientific background to contribute in multiple sectors,” but that “today you [the undergraduate class of 2025] are the fortunate ones. Fortunate in having the level of education and expertise you have obtained.”
However, Jackson elaborated that the world the 2025 graduates are entering into is complex, and she cited climate change, artificial intelligence, political tensions, inequality and more as evidence of such. She told the audience that to face these challenges requires “not only data, but wisdom. Not only strategy, but empathy. And this is where your Brandeis education matters.”
Jackson took this time to encourage the graduates to consider their role in this complex world and how they will make change now that they have earned their degrees. She said that Brandeis has always considered, “What does it mean to be educated? And what are you responsible for once you are?”
She then posed this question in a more direct way, asking, “So graduates, with your Brandeis University degrees, I ask you now: what will you do?” Jackson urged the graduating class to consider not only their careers, but also the social good and morality of their next choices.
Jackson emphasized that education is more than just a job, and that Brandeis has equipped its students with useful life skills. Jackson said, “Brandeis did not just educate you for your next job, but for your full careers — for your lives. How? By helping you to deal with complexity, ambiguity and uncertainty.”
She also made comments regarding Brandeis ' legacy by saying, “This institution … was born out of a commitment to challenge exclusions.” With this legacy, Jackson suggests that it’s important for the graduates to take these principles with them into the world. Jackson put it, “You now are stewards of its mission. You are charged not only with discovery, but with moral clarity.”
She added, “Making a difference is your right, your opportunity and, I would say, your obligation,” thus encouraging students to utilize their degrees to make a positive impact on the world.
However, while Jackson outlined the tools given to the graduates, she also acknowledged that creating change is challenging and requires one to step outside their comfort zone. Although this prospect may seem daunting, she urged that it can be done in “ways large and small” and that uncertainty should not be feared. “Some of the most meaningful turns in my life came when I walked off the obvious path,” Jackson advised.
As Jackson finished her speech, she welcomed
the graduating class to consider their futures and the change that they can make in their communities. She declared to the graduates, “Go forward and change the world.”
Following Jackson’s address, Giselle Gabriel delivered the student address for this ceremony, emphasizing the lessons of unity and generosity she learned during her time at the University.
“We are not just celebrating the achievements of this extraordinary graduating class, but also paying tribute to 76 years of a remarkable university,” Gabriel shared. She said for over three-quarters of a century, the University has been a “beacon of knowledge” and a “vessel for innovation” of which the graduates are now torchbearers. Gabriel said that, as new alumni, it is now this class’ responsibility to inspire the graduating generations of students to come and shape the future.
While this responsibility unites the graduates as they leave the University, Gabriel added that it is also the shared graduate school experiences — collective self-doubt and the weight of responsibility — that bind them together. She recalled “[crying] real tears” her first week on campus, and she described the imposter syndrome she felt as a result of the influx of reading and associated work. However, speaking to her classmates showed her that these anxieties were mutual — everyone had to push through the same challenges.
“My friends, we struggled together,” Gabriel addressed her fellow graduates. “But in that struggle, we found resilience.”
While the graduating class found this strength and resilience among itself, Gabriel also highlighted the contributions of faculty members and alumni,
and the mentorship they have provided her. She traced her start at Brandeis to one conversation with a faculty member and credited alumni with funding her degree through a fellowship and giving her not only the opportunity to pursue an education, but a purpose in doing so.
Gabriel said that her mentors’ faith inspired her to succeed and find future ways to give back, which is another shared experience among students at the University. “That is what Brandeis stands for: a legacy of transformative giving, where generosity fuels excellence, and it enables us to lift each other higher,” she said. She stressed the importance of channeling the resilience and inspiration gained from this educational experience into taking action.
“Let us lead with the same boldness that founded this university,” she urged, specifically mentioning Brandeis’ tradition of fearlessly challenging injustice and uplifting others. “Let us honor the legacy of those who came before us by building a future that is bolder, brighter and more inclusive.”
Gabriel concluded her remarks by thanking loved ones for their support as well as faculty and mentors for instilling wisdom and passion in their teachings. Lastly, she reminded the graduates that the world needs the resilience and passion learned at the University “now more than ever.”
The president of the University’s Alumni Association, Amy Cohen ’85, then inducted the graduates as new alumni — “part of a global network” that spans over continents and disciplines. Cohen said that this network of “chosen family and professional allies” is a connection that the graduates should nurture.
HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT: Shirley Ann Jackson presents her speech. XILEI CECI CHEN/The Justice REMARKS
features
VERBATIM
She who seeks shall find, find all too well, and end up clouding her vision with her own preconceptions.
ON THIS DAY…
Anne Boleyn, Queen of England, was executed in 1536.
FUN FACT
The Latin phrase “alma mater” allegorically translates to “nourishing mother.”
The class of 2025’s favoriTe courses
On May 18, the undergraduate class of 2025 had its commencement ceremony, reflected on the last four years in the presence of loved ones and shared some of their favorite courses with The Justice.
By GRACE DOH JUSTICE DEPUTY EDITOR
As Brandeis goes through numerous changes over the years — whether in its infrastructure, its administration or its student body — certain truths about the character of the University remain the same. One of those truths is that its academics comprise a diverse collection of talented and dedicated instructors who teach classes that change our lives indelibly.
Talia Sherman: Majors in linguistics and comparative literature
1. “Critique of Erotic Reason” with Prof. Stephen Dowden (GER/ECS)
“I took this class out of mere curiosity, expecting to enjoy some unique new reads, but instead was left with my entire academic world turned upside down. Professor Dowden’s insights, questions, and pushback opened the door to a side of beauty and meaning in literature that had been previously shrouded at times. More than appreciating the individual texts (at their least impactful, a unique read, at most lifealtering) I learned how to think.”
2. “Arab-Jewish Modern Thought and Culture” with Prof. Yuval Evri (NEJS)
“This course, when I took it, was made up of five students and met once a week for four hours to discuss racial politics in the Middle East. Professor Yuval Evri accomplished the monstrous feat of making this one of the highlights of my week. We were introduced to fascinating, unique materials I never would’ve encountered otherwise, and furthermore were encouraged to interact with them. Truly a fountain of knowledge, Professor Evri equipped me with tools and ideas that have helped me to feel more stable and prepared in moving throughout the world today.”
3. “Linguistic Typology” with Prof. Lotus Goldberg (LING)
“This course offered the unique experience of getting to spend an entire semester working with the grammar of a language of one’s own choice and producing write-ups on notable features. Approaching the entire concept of Grammar in this way allowed us to develop an understanding of what traits are cross-linguistically unique, and why! Professor Goldberg’s enthusiasm for both the material and the well-being of her students made this class easily one of the most positive, growth-geared academic environments that was a pleasure to participate in.”
Amanda Chen: Major in politics. Minors in economics and Asian-American Pacific Islander studies
1. “20th Century and Contemporary Latin American Art” with Prof. Camila Maroja (FA)
“It was my first art history class, and it was so fascinating! The professor was really engaging and fostered great class discussions.”
2. “Legacies of the Korean War” with Prof. Yuri Doolan (HIST/WGS)
“I didn’t really know anything about the topic beforehand, and this class taught me a lot. Doolan cares about his students, and I looked forward to his classes every week.”
Rosemary Wampole: Majors in comparative literature and European cultural studies. Minors in German studies and history of ideas
1. “European Cultural Studies Proseminar: Modernism” with Prof. Stephen Dowden (GER/ECS)
“I took this class my freshman year fall semester and it completely changed my life. Not only was it the first time I was able to engage in a collective, academic setting
with some of the philosophers and poets I had spent high school privately obsessing over, but Professor Dowden’s completely unique, idiosyncratic outlook and personality instantly captured me and had me taking (and finally TAing) his seminars every semester for the following four years. I really can’t speak highly enough of the experience — it fundamentally transformed the way I read and think forever.”
2. “Spinoza Now” with Prof. Eugene Sheppard (NEJS)
“Being able to spend an entire semester tackling a single text, and especially one as rewarding as Spinoza’s Ethics, was some of the most productive and memorable intellectual work I did at Brandeis. Professor Sheppard is such a kind soul and one really couldn’t ask for a better guide through the philosophical journey that Deleuze once called ‘a river’ — pick up your oar and row!”
3. “World Culture and Marxism” with Prof. Pu Wang (CHIN)
“Having a professor on this campus who takes the intellectual and historicalpractical tradition of Marxism seriously, and knows it as inside-and-out as Professor Wang, is a privilege that I am so grateful for having experienced. This class was the germination point for some wonderful friendships and comradeships that I can confidently say got important stuff done in my last year at Brandeis.”
4. “Breaking the Rules: Deviance and Nonconformity in Premodern Europe” with Prof. Govind Sreenivasan (HIST)
“In this class Professor Sreenivasan forced me for the first time not only to really read history (constantly assigning fascinating primary source documents) but to really interpret and discuss it for myself, something that I can say was not only intellectually invaluable, but great fun.”
Mina Rowland: Independent interdisciplinary major in multimedia storytelling. Minor in African and African American studies.
1. “Screenwriting Workshop: Writing and Producing a Short Film” with Paloma Valenzuela (ENG)
“Miss Valenzuela has been such a light and inspiration to me — I took her class my freshman year and it was the first time I saw a young woman of color command a classroom in college. She was not only very hip and talented but she treated us all with respect for our creativity and ideas and allowed me to find joy in screenwriting. Taking her class sparked my interest in short film and led me to incorporate film into my concentrations for my IIM. She is so profound as a professor, so encouraging and supportive and we still stay connected! She recently went on tour around Boston screening her documentary ‘The Seltzer Factor.’ I am so happy our paths crossed and that I can say that is my Professor!”
2. “Critical Race Theory and Education” with Prof. Tanishia Williams (LGLS)
“Prof. Williams brings the energy — my sister convinced me to transfer into her class and I am so glad I did. She has such an Auntie vibe — not only is she highly educated and melanated but she remains true to her authentic self. She not only has real conversations about politics and the state of education but also balances them with humor and grace. I am so honored that I had the opportunity to have her as a professor during her time as a Florence Kay Fellow and it is so serendipitous that she is concluding her fellowship as I graduate. She literally gave a TED talk about standardized testing! I am super excited to see
what she continues to do in the field of education, social policy and carceral justice!”
3. “Poetry Workshop: Special Topics in Poetry” with Porsha Olayiwola (ENG)
“Porsha O is just magical and she was the Boston Poet Laureate when I took her class. I literally remember being in high school and watching her perform on button poetry so it was surreal to be in her class taking my first poetry workshop. The class was small - as creative workshops are, and it meant that we fostered belonging and a sense of closeness not present in other classes. Porsha (who allows students to address her as such) helped me find my voice as a poet and build my confidence in revision, recitation and generally finding inspiration. For me the most impactful aspect was that she held space for all of us, our pain and our joy especially being a young Black woman. She also left recently and is now at Emerson -— nevertheless I am so glad I had a chance to take a class with her. Go check out her collection, ‘i shimmer sometimes, too’!”
Mirabell Rowland: Major in film, television, and interactive media. Minors in education and journalism.
1. “Social Journalism: The Art of Engaging Audiences” with Adriana Lacy (JOUR)
“This class allowed me to experiment with different styles of storytelling and particularly learn about podcasting and engaging audiences through different platforms. I produced The Voices of Change podcast and the most memorable interview was with an amazing band, Aint Afraid, a Black Muslim twin girl band! Adriana’s commitment to watching her students succeed stood out to me and I was glad to learn from her!”
2. “Creative Pedagogy” with Jennifer Cleary (THA)
“This class was the most fun and engaging education class I’ve ever taken. This was a direct connection of using creativity and nonconventional styles to discuss pedagogy and educational styles, and brainstorm ways to make changes in the classroom and outside the classroom.”
Tara Mohan: Majors in anthropology and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies. Minors in South Asian studies and social justice and social policy.
1. “Revolution, Religion, and Terror: Postcolonial Histories” with Prof. Avinash Singh (IGS/HIST/SAS)
“Taking this class completely flipped my view on South Asian history and everything I had learned growing up in India. As someone from a partition family, learning about how the diversity in my family came to be and the resilience of my native community was empowering and stimulating! It sparked my interest in caste and its intersecting oppressions, something that I wish to carry forward in my career in public health!”
Emilia Brandimarte: Major film, television, and interactive media studies. Minor in sexuality and queer studies.
1. “Power and Powerlessness in Jewish History” with Prof. Eugene Sheppard (NEJS)
“I took this class this semester, and it seemed fitting to bookend my Brandeis experience with a NEJS class. This was my first NEJS class ever, and as a gentile, I feel like I was thrown into the deep end in the best way possible. Professor Sheppard is incredibly affable and encouraging, and I was pleasantly surprised to receive a perspective that was critical of Zionism and genuinely interested in interrogating the
historical roots of the ideology. I yearn for more classes on religious studies, so I hope this won’t be my last academic experience with this topic.”
2. “Italian Films, Italian Histories” with Professor Emerita Alice Kelikian (HIST)
“Anyone who has ever taken an Alice Kelikian class knows why I mention it here. Sure, Professor Kelikian doesn’t spend much class time talking about the films on the syllabus, but you will learn about hitchhiking in Mexico, smuggling arms, and an innumerable amount of personal anecdotes that make her classes a truly one of a kind experience. Meeting Professor Kelikian was an extremely crucial element to my time as an undergrad, so it’s crazy to think that she is now retired and I was one of the last students to experience one of her classes.”
3. “Hollywood and American Culture” with Prof. Thomas Doherty (AMST)
“I took this class my very first semester at Brandeis. Once, when I was too shy to ask a question in class, I went home [and] read the Wikipedia page on the 1930s Hollywood Production Code, where one of Professor Doherty’s articles was cited as a source. As a freshman I was starstruck, and I still am when I stumble across his Hollywood Reporter articles from time to time. You can tell that Professor Doherty prides himself on being ‘politically incorrect,’ but I do really appreciate his attitude as a part of the academic old guard, and it also means that we spend a class day on the academic field of porn studies!”
Riley Byers: Majors in computer science and psychology. Minor in creative writing.
1. “Perception: Human, Animal, and Machine” with Prof. Robert Sekuler (NEUR)
“Sekuler is really interested in the subject [matter] and teaching it in a fascinating way. Because it was about perception it changed my relationship to the world. It’s hard to think about anything without thinking about the visual realm and all of its nuances.”
2. “The Essay as Form” with Prof. Stephen Dowden
“I had positive pressure to write & produce complete pieces. Not in a style I had previously developed, but rather it made me consider what writing could be if it could be anything it wanted. Importantly, I felt like I could be a part of something that didn’t have to be larger than it was. Dowden is such a supportive and warm presence and his classes are always catch me off guard in how much they change the way I think, particularly in my relationship with language.”
The class of 2025’s appreciation for its professors and academic experiences speaks for itself. With this list, they move forward in their lives and careers, passing down recommendations to future Brandeis graduates. But more than this, they share their admiration and gratitude for those that supported them academically and beyond.
— Editor’s Note: Justice associate editor Amanda Chen ’25 was interviewed for this article and did not further contribute to or edit this article.
— Editor’s Note: Justice associate editor Mina Rowland ’25 was interviewed for this article and did not further contribute to or edit this article.
ExchangE for changE: nonprofit EducatEs and EmpowErs studEnts impactEd by incarcEration
Exchange for Change provides classes, mentorship and writing opportunities to adults and youth at a variety of correctional facilities in the Miami, Florida area.
Exchange for Change is a nonprofit organization based in Miami, Florida that works to educate and empower individuals impacted by incarceration by offering courses and advocacy support to students who are incarcerated. Exchange for Change was founded in 2014 by Kathie Klarreich and has worked to support students ever since. The organization is “committed to fostering spaces for creative and intellectual exploration,” and they believe that everyone, no matter their background, deserves a quality education. Exchange for Change strives to create “a world where open dialogue and mutual respect pave the way for vibrant, secure communities.”
The organization has three primary values that elaborate on their mission to provide educational opportunities, create open dialogue and advocate for individuals impacted by incarceration. The first value concerns their dedication to providing “intellectual engagement.”
The second focuses on the “value of every voice” and giving every student “an opportunity to express themselves without the fear of being stigmatized.” The final value centers around social change. Exchange for Change believes that “with a pen and paper, students can become agents of social change.” These values are at the base of Exchange for Change’s mission.
As a way to further their mission, Exchange for Change offers courses that emphasize the importance of writing skills and work to help students hone their voice and writing abilities. Some courses include topics such as the works of Shakespeare, literature, artificial intelligence and speculative writing. Exchange for Change courses also cover topics surrounding mindfulness, foreign languages and poetry. The organization also offers classes that are taught solely in Spanish. Exchange for Change is currently working with the Dade Correctional Institute, Everglades Correctional Institution, Miami Youth Academy and Federal Correctional Institution Miami,
By JULIA HARDY JUSTICE MANAGING EDITOR
but the organization has also worked with some reentry programs.
Another aspect of the Exchange for Change mission is about creating a dialogue between individuals in and outside of the system. As such, Exchange for Change is partnered with Florida International University, University of Miami, Miami Dade College, Florida Department of Corrections and more. These partnerships allow “inside” and “outside” students to communicate. The Exchange for Change Exchange courses pair a student who is incarcerated with a student enrolled at a university. Throughout the semester, the students exchange letters, responding to the same provided prompt. They use pseudonyms and their personal information is omitted.
The Exchange for Change website has compiled student publications, including some projects that were made from letter exchanges. These projects included letter exchanges between University of Miami and Everglades Correctional students. Some of these exchanges explored topics such as cultural differences, selffulfillment and the school-to-prison pipeline. These projects included the letters, illustrations and additional reflections. There were also Zines and a multimedia project. There is also a myriad of students’ writings that were created from their classes. Additionally, Exchange for Change publishes a literary journal of students’ work, called “Don’t Shake The Spoon: A Journal of Prison Writing.”
Another publication found on the website is the new student newspaper publication. Exchange for Change recently started a newspaper called “Gram Talk,” which published their first issue in February 2025. Much like The Titan Tribute — another student newspaper — “Gram Talk” is written by students enrolled in a journalism program at South Florida Youth Academy, which is a moderaterisk residential program designed for boys ages 14 to 18. The academy is education oriented and supports students in
obtaining a high school level education. Exchange for Change partnered with the academy to introduce a journalism class, taught by Henry Unger, who was a newspaper reporter for 33 years before volunteering at Exchange for Change. The first issue consists of letter exchanges between incarcerated and university students, Q&As with professionals and volunteers from Exchange for Change and much more.
As of 2024, Exchange for Change educates 700 students a year and has around 25 to 30 course offerings per semester. Exchange for Change has had a significant impact on many students. For instance, in a Feb. 4 blog post, formerly incarcerated Michael Anguille shared his experience with the Exchange for Change letter exchanges. He wrote, “My student writing partner told me I totally changed his perspective of what it is to be incarcerated in our country. In return, I gained an outlet of a type I didn’t have with family and friends, where personal connections sometimes complicate interactions. It was therapeutic. It was fulfilling. It was everything I needed.”
Students at universities have also been positively impacted by the Exchange for Change partnerships. At Kendall Campus at Miami Dade College, professor Carlos González started a PenPal program with his college and his Exchange for Change students at the Homestead women’s prison. As an Exchange for Change volunteer, he was eager to connect all his students. In a Miami Herald article, González explained how the letter exchange initiative “creates a powerful sense of connection and support, enabling participants to learn from one another and find common ground despite their different backgrounds.”
González’s students were excited about this program and created a student organization called Letter Exchange for Awareness and Progress. In an article by Dade student Olivia Valkenburg titled “MDC Students Create Letter Exchange
Club With Homestead Correctional Institution,” a student of Gonzalez’s was quoted saying, “I turned from being a student that only wanted a grade, to a student that actually cared about the people in the correctional [facility] . . . “LEAP is trying to make a better community.” Exchange for Change also has volunteer and “visit a prison” options. With help from the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice, Exchange for Change has incorporated a visitation program to South Florida. This is yet another way that Exchange for Change works to bolster its mission to deconstruct harmful and damaging stereotypes and “change the public’s perception of the criminal justice system.” With this initiative, the general public can have group discussions with incarcerated individuals, creating “meaningful dialogue and connection.” Visits are available every week and include a tour of the facilities, as well as a group discussion with the students. Exchange for Change is also always looking for volunteers, course facilitators and interns. Facilitators are often “experts in their field,” and are dedicated to their students. The founder and Executive Director of Exchange for Change Klarreich started teaching in prisons, eventually developing this passion into a nonprofit. However, before her nonprofit work, she spent 13 years reporting in Haiti. She then transferred her writing experience to teaching and Exchange for Change. With a dedicated team, a variety of programs and donations, Exchange for Change is able to provide impactful, meaningful experiences for the incarcerated.
At the end of each semester, Exchange for Change holds graduation ceremonies for the students as a way to celebrate their accomplishments. This support and encouragement offered to the students is representative of the Exchange for Change messaging, which aims to uplift voices and incite change through writing.
ENTRANCE SIGN: Exchange for Change partners with Dade Correctional Institution.
LETTERS: Exchange for Change facilitates letter writing.
Justicethe
Brandeis University
Established 1949
Sophia De Lisi, Editor in Chief
Julia Hardy, Managing Editor
Eliza Bier, Anna Martin, Isabel Roseth, Senior Editors
Leah Breakstone, Tibria Brown, Grace Doh, Nemma Kalra, Lauryn Williams, Zoe Zachary, Deputy Editors
Lily Chafe, Amanda Chen, Xilei Ceci Chen, Lin Lin Hutchinson, Jonas Kaplin, Marina Rosenthal, Mina Rowland, Sara Samuel, Bryan Wolfe, Associate Editors
Iyla Lichtenfeld, Lucia Thomas, News Editors
Brianna Earle, Features Editor
Esther Balaban, Forum Editor
Remi Young, Sports Editor
Maeve Coakley, Arts & Culture Editor
Skye Entwood, Reuben Gartenbach, Photography Editors
Miriam Grodin, Rivka Resnick, Copy Editors
Joan Cogliano, Layout Editor
Keira Shear, Advertising Editor
Ellie Harris, Niámh Mullen, Social Media Editors
EDITORIAL
Thank you to our seniors
This editorial board wants to take this opportunity to recognize the incredible contributions made by our ten graduating seniors over the past four years. Despite being a club, the ample amount of work and dedication that goes into maintaining The Justice can often feel like a full-time commitment, but these graduates have taken these challenges in stride. Although we will miss sharing our late nights in the office with them, we are more than excited to see what their bright futures have in store!
Leah Breakstone ’25 was a Deputy editor of The Justice who dedicated immense time and effort into planning the paper’s capital campaign, JustForward. Leah has spearheaded the creation of the campaign’s Alumni Advisory Board, led numerous meetings to ensure the campaign’s success and has served as its point of contact for the University and alumni. During her time as News editor, Leah contributed wellwritten and thoughtful articles, providing the community with essential coverage. Leah’s hard work has made incredible strides in securing The Justice’s financial stability.
Tibria Brown ’25 was a dedicated Forum editor who led the section with an abundance of thoughtfulness and care. She brought so much positive and calm energy to the office. She never failed to supply the office with endless jokes, lively conversations and meaningful moments. After serving as the Forum editor, Bria became a deputy editor, where she continued to help The Justice grow and thrive. Always willing to offer guidance and advice, Bria was an invaluable member of The Justice leadership team. Continuing her remarkable ability to bring The Justice editors together, Bria created a social events calendar that will undoubtedly help keep team morale up. Bria was a truly remarkable editor, team member and friend. The Justice cannot wait to see all the amazing things Bria will do in the future.
Amanda Chen ’25 was a Social Media editor for The Justice, dedicating ample time to creating graphics and captions for the paper’s Instagram account and ensuring the section’s organization through a content calendar. Amanda has undeniably increased The Justice’s posting frequency and has a keen eye for detail. Her tireless work has made the section operate much more efficiently, giving The Justice a professional and consistent online presence. Amanda was also a senior staff writer for the news section, having started on the paper as a news staff writer. Amanda has provided extensive coverage of University lectures and events even after her promotion to section editor. We will miss Amanda’s calm, reassuring demeanor in the office!
Lin Lin Hutchinson ’25 began his time at The Justice writing for the News section and transitioned into the role of News editor not long afterwards. Lin Lin brought a passion and talent for writing to the News section. His dedication to journalism made him an invaluable asset to The Justice, and he often wrote more than one article every week. In addition to his skills as a writer, Lin Lin brought so much levity, kindness and humor to the newsroom, making him a joy to have in the office. A truly talented writer and news editor, Lin Lin’s presence will be greatly missed. The Justice wishes Lin Lin all the best as he graduates from Brandeis.
Dalya Koller ’25 started her time at The Justice as a News editor, dedicating her time to publishing quality articles every week. Her writing and reporting skills added so much professionalism and depth to the News section. Dalya always writes with an abundance of care and thoughtfulness, never shying away from the most groundbreaking stories. In 2022, Dalya,
along with her co-news editor, Leah, covered the shuttle crash, ensuring crucial information was given to the Brandeis community. When Dalya moved into an associate editor position, she continued to exercise her stellar writing skills to cover crucial news stories, including coverage related to the Israel-Hamas War. The Justice is grateful to Dalya for all of her dedication and passion to the newspaper.
Ariana Rich ’25 started as a Student Union correspondent for the News section, providing summaries of the Union’s senate meetings for the Senate Log biweekly. However, she was quickly promoted to Forum editor, gracing the section with incredibly nuanced and eloquent opinion pieces in her departure from news coverage. Arie’s ability to inspire and communicate complex ideas through her writing will be sincerely missed at The Justice, along with her upbeat attitude and humor. Arie’s generous and supportive attitude filled the office with incredible warmth.
Marina Rosenthal ’25 was The Justice’s Layout editor, contributing photo stories for our Arts and Culture and Sports sections each week. Marina’s combined creative eye and talent for storytelling was evident through each of her layout designs. Her penchants for design and leadership have even extended to her work as an editor-in-chief of Laurel Moon, the University’s national literary magazine for undergraduates. We will deeply miss Marina’s witty jokes and dynamic energy — throughout this year’s late nights and tense moments, her charisma has uplifted the office’s morale without fail.
Isabel Roseth ’25 was The Justice’s editor in chief for the 2023-24 academic year, leading the paper through an unforeseen and turbulent period of campus demonstrations. This year, Isabel was a helpful advisor to the executive board as a senior editor, providing reassuring guidance for any unexpected crises and words of support. Isabel contributed crucial coverage of the Nov. 10 protest and the events leading up to it — a series of articles that have been referenced an abundance of times, even in our recent reporting. She has left a significant impact on the paper, and such careful documentation of the University would not have been possible without her guidance. We will miss Isabel’s conscientious attention to detail and calm leadership in the office.
Mina Rowland ’25 brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the Arts and Culture section during her time at The Justice. Serving as the Arts editor, Mina infused her creative flare into every issue, showing off her drawing and writing talent. She always brought so much warm, welcoming energy into the office, never failing to bring joy to everyone she spoke to. A truly dedicated member of the Brandeis community, Mina has so much empathy and compassion to share. As she moved into an associate editor position, Mina continued to bring fun energy to the editors. The Justice will miss Mina’s jovial attitude and beautiful artistic skills, but we know that she has a bright future ahead of her.
Lauryn Williams ’25 led the Forum section with such grace and kindness during her time at The Justice. Starting as the Forum editor, Lauryn brought so much skill and compassion to her work, ensuring that the section always had meaningful, insightful content every week. As she transitioned into the deputy editor position, Lauryn continued to offer her talents to The Justice by completing senior reads and sensitivity reads. She helped ensure that The Justice could put out quality content. The Justice is grateful to have had Lauryn’s writing skills and compassion. Her kind smile
and humor will be missed in The Justice office, but we wish her the best of luck in the future. The contributions of these ten graduates can not be overstated. Their diverse skill sets, wisdom and passion have been instrumental to the quality of our paper’s reporting and to the office’s welcoming
atmosphere. We appreciate their unwavering support and emphasize that they are always welcome back to swing by our office for a visit! We can’t wait to see their next chapters unfold and we will continue to uplift and inspire them along the way — just as they have done for us.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Let us call a spade a spade. The Jewish Bund is a Pro-Palestine group first and a Jewish group second. They have held far more Pro-Palestine events than they have Jewish ones, and at their events there are always more keffiyehs than kippahs. There is nothing wrong with this, nor is this statement meant as criticism, it is simply a fact. However, it is also the case that they are not interested in any form of dialogue in good faith, else they would not have protested the Hillel Israel fest.
Celebration of Israeli culture is in no way an endorsement of Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank. In fact the event had a memorial explicitly for civilians tragically killed in Gaza. The Bund may hold up their name and their Jewish identities as a paper shield, but there is a word for the belief that the only good Jew is an anti-Zionist Jew, and the rest are culpable for genocide: antisemitism. Betzalel Hochberg, Class of 2026
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor, Penelope Dick’s recent op-ed misrepresents Jewish students at Brandeis. She is correct to point out that we are not a monolith—something reflected in the 20 affiliate groups under Brandeis Hillel that span a broad spectrum of perspectives on Israel and Judaism, and the presence of an active Brandeis Chabad Club. However, her characterization of the university’s decision to invite Professor Jonathan Sarna as commencement speaker as a “virtue signal” to Zionist donors is troubling and antisemitic. Such a framing diminishes the significance of Professor Sarna’s distinguished academic career and deep contributions to the Brandeis community. To draw a parallel: if the decision to honor Shirley Ann Jackson and Jim Obergefell were labeled a “virtue signal” to Black and LGBTQ+ students and donors, we would rightly recognize such claims as
racist or homophobic. This, too, should be unacceptable. Further, Hillel’s Shabbat dinners are funded through private donations, not university resources. If students who identify as non-Zionist want to host their own Shabbat dinners, they are equally free to raise support. While Jewish students hold a wide range of views on Israeli policy, the majority at Brandeis support Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign nation, home to nearly half of the world’s Jewish population. Suggesting the university’s speaker choice is purely a political gesture overlooks an opportunity to recognize the achievements of a distinguished professor and engage in meaningful dialogue.
Best, Matthew Pfeffer Class of ‘27
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
To the Editor: During my time at Brandeis, Hillel has been the most meaningful part of my campus experience. I’m incredibly grateful for the way it supports a thriving Jewish community. As a board member of J Street U—a Pro-Israel, Pro-Palestine, Pro-Peace advocacy group—I’ve seen how rare it is for campus Hillels to include voices like ours. At Brandeis, Rabbi Seth Winberg has consistently welcomed us into dialogue about Israel, defending our place within a diverse and inclusive Hillel. Hillel must be invested in Israel—the home of half the world’s Jews and the focus of daily Jewish prayer. But this engagement must also recognize the legitimacy of Palestinian experiences and aspirations. I’m proud that Brandeis Hillel embraces both. At last week’s Israel Fest, before it was interrupted by so-called Pro Palestinian protesters, I lit a candle at a table Hillel had set up honoring all innocent Israelis and Palestinians who have lost their lives in this war.
A recent article in The Justice claimed Hillel’s “first allegiance is not to Brandeis students but to Israel.” This is not only un-
true—it evokes harmful antisemitic tropes of dual loyalty. As Justice Louis Brandeis once said, “Let no American imagine that Zionism is inconsistent with patriotism.” Believing in Jewish self-determination in our ancestral homeland is a meaningful part of Jewish identity. Brandeis Hillel allows for open, critical conversations about Israel rooted in Ahavat Yisrael—love of the Jewish people. J Street U events often feature strong critiques of Israeli policy, but they come from a place of care and commitment. To suggest that Professor Jonathan Sarna—a world-renowned scholar and beloved teacher—was invited to speak at commencement out of allegiance to Israel ignores his profound contributions to Brandeis and Jewish scholarship. Brandeis Hillel proves that pluralism, love for Israel, and critical engagement can— and must—coexist.
Mateo Levin ‘27
Board Member, Brandeis J Street U Gabbai, Brandies Masorti Minyan Former Board Member, Brandeis Hillel
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Sack Matt Rushton! There is a lot to deride Matthew Rushton for as the current chief of police at Brandeis Public Safety. Students are appalled by his connections to Provident Response Insight Group (also known as Police Reform Insight Group), a private security LLC which assisted in the brutalization of student protestors in November 2023. Those same students are sickened by his alleged negligence which led to the death of a Brandeis student weeks later. His tacit approval of ICE’s use of “public areas” on campus doesn’t help his case, especially as he tried to deny 4/4 protestors that same right. This conduct has and will continue to be adjudicated by bodies which hold far more institutional sway than a leftist Jewish student org at Brandeis. Regardless, let’s take a look at some of his most recent antics.
On April 29th, Rushton published a letter to the editor in which he demonstrated a lack of basic comprehension skills. He made 3 main points: that the Justice overstated early protest numbers, that the Justice’s depiction of our protest route was incorrect, and that the Justice mischaracterized the final flag-burning that led to dispersal. Let’s address these in order.
1) The Justice claimed that “the group of demonstrators consisted of at least 100
students.” They did not claim that these students magically materialized at 4:00 as the protest began. 2) The Justice later claimed that “the protesters proceeded to march counterclockwise up Loop Road, past East Quadrangle and around the front of Skyline Residence Hall.” This is a fact. We could not find the “incorrect” claim Rushton is referring to.
3) This is the final (and most insidious) of Rushton’s claims. He implies that police had no intention of arresting students. That’s convenient. This discounts visual documentation of police with zip ties in hand, as well as the fact that a Waltham PD van (a ‘paddy wagon’) was en route as the protest dispersed and police rushed at the crowd. Make of that what you will.
As a side note, just because something is “consistent with the university’s understanding” doesn’t make it true. You can’t cite yourself in a research paper. Consequently, we call on President Levine to subject Matt Rushton to a semester of UWS. We earnestly hope that it will improve his reading comprehension skills. If not, the least Brandeis could do is sack him.
Sincerely, Selected writers from the Brandeis Jewish Bund
Fear, courage and the sea
By ARIANA RICH JUSTICE ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Despite having grown up fascinated with the sea, a budding patron of the water as a coastal Californian child, I have never been able to shake my innate fear of it.
Yes, even as my parents — nautical devotees themselves — lured me into pool and ocean alike, there has always been an undertone of reservation and, undeniably, dread. “What waits for me at the bottom of this chlorinated abyss?” I would wonder before every swim lesson. And does it enjoy the taste of wary second grader?
Of course, I learned quickly that there was nothing lurking in my community pool, and — considering I am alive and well to write this — nothing has yet snapped me up during my many escapades into the sea. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I love the ocean; deep down, I have yet to abandon the remaining glimmer of hope that, one day, I could become a marine biologist, as per my childhood dream. In fact, I swam throughout high school (swim team and water polo), have an Advanced Open Water Diver SCUBA certification and am quick to plan any trip with an aquatic component. But despite this obvious natural compulsion I feel towards the act of entering the water, I can’t help but also endure an internal pull back to the safety of the shore. This dichotomy in my desires does little but result in my private mental anguish during every trip to the beach.
Why, then, do I figure this is? Simple — I am debilitated by my fear of the unknown. What lies in wait for a taste of me below the surface? I do not know and I never will (until I get into the water, at least).
If that isn’t a fitting metaphor for our impending graduation, I don’t know what is. Isn’t life after college just one big, terrifying openwater dive? But what makes the ocean alluring, of course, is its depth, its mystery, its potential. Yes, some part of me wants desperately to cling to the shoreline, but regardless of this, I have yet to turn down any opportunity to jump straight in. It’s always a little scary every time I submerge, but, without exception, I resurface.
When I applied to Brandeis, the supplemental essay prompt I chose specifically for this school’s application asked, “There are approximately 171,476 words in the English dictionary. Pick your favorite word and tell us why you picked it.” In exactly 250 words, I declared my favorite one to be courage. “Courage,” I wrote, “isn’t the absence of fear, but rather the acknowledgment of that fear, followed by the choice to ignore it.”
I’m only 22 years old, which means, relatively speaking, I know next to nothing. But, with all that I have learned since beginning university, the one thing I know with absolute certainty is this: it’s okay to be scared, but it’s not okay to let that stop me. I’ve carried this mindset as close to my heart as I can over the last four years, and it has served me well. I’ve danced naked, painted head-to-toe in latex; I’ve hoisted myself up a wall of ice with nothing but two pickaxes; I’ve travelled solo to a different country on a whim
and befriended countless strangers I never would have met, had I let myself be limited by my own apprehension. Yes, of course, there are things that I’ve done, in spite of fear, that I regret. But what I’ve come to grieve more are the things I didn’t do — the missed opportunities I turned down out of trepidation alone.
Everyone always says that “real life” begins after college, but few acknowledge the violence of this transition. Instead of being given the option to turn around and stroll out of the surf, we are all essentially thrown in head-first. Perhaps it is our lack of choice in the matter that adds to our fearfulness. The truth is, no one really knows what they’re doing until they hit the water: some of us will begin treading aimlessly, and others will swim in circles. Some of us may even start swimming confidently towards something that turns out to be seaweed (here’s hoping that none of you reading this join a pyramid scheme). But we’re all in it together now: equally soaked, equally unsure, equally primed to make a few mistakes. That, strangely enough, is a comfort. And what I can say with certainty is that so long as you refuse (yes, refuse — say FUCK OFF to those thoughts) to let yourself sink, you’ll make it back to shore.
Simply put, not only do I want to implore you to be courageous about this transition despite your fear, but I encourage you to adopt this mindset going forward in your post-graduate life. Our early twenties is our time to push ourselves to, and past, our former limits.
Many of us recognize — but fewer of us act on — the fact that not only are we young enough to screw up and still recover, but we’re also old enough to know when we’re afraid and when that fear is worth confronting and overcoming. Courage is fluid, though, and what is unremarkable to one may require weeks of gathering the courage to act for another. Remember this. All of those terrifying, exciting, bucket list-worthy things I’ve done have felt comparable in frightfulness to eating alone in the dining hall for the first time.
Move to the city you’ve always been curious about, or, instead, try your hand at that daunting new skill you’ve always wanted to learn. Attempt the job you think you’re under-qualified for or just start a weird little project. Make the first move. Book the flight. Go to that party. Ask that question. Embarrass yourself a little — you’re allowed to. Show up and do it afraid, trusting that it’s better than not showing up at all. And embrace this transition, no matter how bracing, into a new elemental state of life.
Whatever the form it may take, do the thing that you so desperately want to do, despite how much it frightens you. The fear doesn’t always disappear, but the sooner you learn to swim with it, the less it drags you under. In fact, let that fear inspire you; when you act in spite of it, it becomes courage.
A home run for homeless families
By DEVIN YUAN JUSTICE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Meritocracy does not exist — privilege does. Sorry, but one’s understanding of someone else’s hard work and merit guiding their life’s outcome is not always true. While hard work certainly matters, it is rarely the case that someone’s hard work alone will determine their life’s outcomes. Luck and arbitrary circumstances matter just as much or even more. This is especially true for people dealing with homelessness. Those experiencing housing instability have higher instances of adverse childhood experiences than the general population, according to a publication in the Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology journal. Additionally, a study from the American Medical Association
has revealed that people sleeping outside in Massachusetts die at three times the rate of people sleeping in shelters and around ten times the rate of the general population. The response to homelessness is not blaming the homeless for their “self-inflicted” problems, rather, it is getting the homeless off the streets and putting them in shelters for long enough to help them find permanent housing solutions. Massachusetts ostensibly meets this need with its Emergency Assistance program, which provides eligible families experiencing homelessness with temporary shelter for up to six months. The nature and intent of this program was to buttress the Right to Shelter
Law adopted in 1983, effectively guaranteeing a right to shelter in Massachusetts. However, the de facto reality of the EA program differs from its intent. Eligibility requirements are strict, families are not cognizant of the mechanisms of the program, applicants are presumed ineligible — thus having to self-verify their identity prior to receiving crucial shelter — and the shelter duration of six months is not long enough to enable people to find long-term housing. In some cases, the six-month duration of emergency housing is so short that it risks traumatizing a person and setting them back further than they were before. Any progress a person makes during a six-month stay in an emergency shelter can be lost as soon as they lose the shelter. When it is a matter of life and death, which living on the street is, navigating the complex and protracted bureaucratic hurdles is not the primary concern — survival is. There is a legislative answer that ameliorates homelessness and the EA program itself: an act improving emergency housing assistance for children and families experiencing homelessness (H.216/S.136). This act increases the duration of stay for eligible families from six to nine months, introduces an ombudsperson unit that helps applicants navigate the application process and circumvent the bureaucratic gymnastics
that prevents families from getting the help they deserve and tracks data that can be used to cut excessive costs to the program in future iterations. It aligns the legislative intent of the Right to Shelter Law with its in-practice effectuation.
As of now, the Massachusetts EA program is like someone giving a homeless person food or money and recording the good deed to post online for clicks. The intent is there but the execution is not. The aforementioned bill correctly positions the intent of helping homeless families with the help itself. Call your local state representatives and ask for a favorable vote on H.216/ S.136. Alternatively, you could encourage members on the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities to co-sponsor the bill. Food, water, air and shelter are the basic physiological needs that humans need to survive. But human subsistence should not be the standard. Society should flourish, not simply survive. While I recognize how the cost of the program, along with the uncertainty of federal funding can deter additional appropriations for the EA program, the funds are crucial to ensuring the safety of the American people. Without the program, people’s lives are at risk. Shelter is a matter of life, not politics.
The joys and the curse
of having free will
By GONNY NIR JUSTICE STAFF WRITER
How lucky we are to not have our life planned for us. How privileged am I to have self-determination, to become whatever I wish. Generations of women before me did not have self-autonomy — their fate was decided for them.
And yet, here I am, a liberated woman of the 21st century, and I tremble with fear at my own power to make whatever I wish of myself.
Countless philosophers, spanning many generations and distinct traditions, have dedicated their careers to determining whether we have free will. To their ongoing debate I humbly offer the idea that I very much feel that I have free will, and it scares the living shit out of me.
For many years, I’ve pitied those who’ve had their lives perfectly planned out for them by someone else. How sad it must be to know exactly which school you would attend. How boring it must be to know which course of study you would pursue at the age of nine. How depressing to know who your future employer would be before you have left university. Tragic. Notice I said “I’ve pitied” — past tense. Perhaps I should now admit that I’m closer to envying those whose life-trajectory has been vivid since they exited their mother’s womb and took their first breath of earthly oxygen. They will never have to confront the terror that I, and presumably some of you, are coming face-to-face with now.
We’re often seduced by the delusion that we want options. That’s why stores like Costco exist. The cold hard truth of the matter is that we don’t want an infinite number of options. Case in point: the very thought of Costco sends a cold wave of anxious terror down my spine. What we really want is a select few neatly packaged options. That’s why stores like Trader Joe’s exist. I don’t want 20 options for a jar of pesto, I want three at most. The same can be said about life. There are truly a select few individuals above the age of 10 who are actually excited by the thought that they could do anything and be anything their heart desires.
The overwhelming majority of us do not want an infinite number of potential life paths. Why? Because choosing between them is, firstly, overwhelming, and secondly, exhausting. I’m plagued with terror at the thought that my whole life is laid out right before me every day. I wake up and am immediately confronted by the idea that I’m leaving the paved road of “growing up” and am expected to take my first steps into an alien world. It’s liberating, fantastical and deeply terrifying. Frankly, I feel like a kid. Despite having done “adult things” and having been told all my life that, “you’re so mature for your age,” I feel like a child. And being coddled within the Brandeis bubble of positive affirmation has not worked to ameliorate this feeling. I’ve spent
19-odd years in school and feel as though I’ve got no knowledge to show for it. It’s absurd — objectively pathetic. And I know I’m not making things easier on myself by wanting an unordinary life. I’ve talked a big game in the pages of this paper about preferring precariousness over boredom. I think I’m starting to sympathize with those who’ve expressed their preference for the latter. At least boredom grants you some security, a lulling comfort. The precarious life grants you experiences, yes, but at what cost? Am I willing to pay up, despite not knowing whether those payments will be worth it? And what is “it” anyway? The story I get to tell. To whom? The children that I’m unsure if I would ever want. The partner whose identity is shrouded in heavy clouds of mystery? I’m repeatedly asking myself whether this life I so desperately want to live is for me or for others.
Regardless, this state of abject terror is not made any easier by hearing things like, “you’re special,” “you’re going to do great things” and “I’ve got faith in you.” I really don’t want to come off as ungrateful, but let’s please stop saying these things. I’m chock-full of other people’s faith in me and I haven’t got a clue what to do with it. Instead of being inspired by this volume of faith, I’m petrified by it. What if I fail? What if I’m not as clever, as skilled, as talented as those who’ve put their faith in me thought? Then what? I recognize that it’s no one’s intention to make me feel as though I’ve got to live up to their idea of what I should be or do with my life. And perhaps that’s what makes this no-strings-attached faith so much harder to absorb: I have to decide how to invest that faith. But what if I miscalculate? What if I fail? We’re told that failure is natural, it’s part of life … to what extent, I ask. What if it all blows up in smoke? What if I have potential that I never live up to? Isn’t that a melodramatic, though genuinely tragic, thought? I’m asking so many questions because I have no answers. I’m about to step into a world that I feel in no way prepared to navigate. And I’m leaving a world that I deeply love and care for. I’m already mourning its loss. I’m not prepared to go unrecognized, I can’t bear the thought of leaving behind my companions in a fleeting world. I’m a native here, I’ll be a stranger in a strange land soon.
For now, I’m planted at my desk, looking out at the postcards I’ve meticulously stuck onto my wall. They tell a story of where I’ve been, my tastes and interests and of the person I’ve been and hope to become. Past, present and future are all here before me. Now, I have to realize it. I must grasp my free will and step into the light of the world, hoping, praying to a deity I don’t believe in, that I don’t fall.
JUDGES BY THE NUMBERS
Formula 1 Miami's Grand Prix victory
There are no upcoming games.
There are no upcoming matches. There are no upcoming matches.
400 Meter Peterly Leroy '28 came in third with a time of 56.37.
By REMI YOUNG JUSTICE SPORTS EDITOR
The 2025 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix on May 4 was a thrilling event. Under sunny skies, Oscar Piastri secured his third consecutive victory, leading a dominant McLaren one-two finish ahead of teammate Lando Norris.
Piastri and Verstappen
Starting from fourth on the grid, the Australian driver displayed composure, consistency and razor-sharp overtaking. He seized the lead from Max Verstappen by lap 14 after the Red Bull driver ran wide, and from that point on, Piastri never looked back, maintaining the lead for the duration of the race. His gap of over four seconds at the finish line proved the pace and control he had throughout the race. Even though he shuffled back to sixth after ear -
ly contact with Verstappen, Lando Norris fought back aggressively. His strong overtakes, pace and his fastest lap on lap 36 earned him second place, marking a milestone weekend for McLaren. Russell on the Podium
George Russell rounded out the podium in third, salvaging solid points for Mercedes. A well-timed pit stop during a Virtual Safety Car phase gave him track position, which he held on to, showing Mercedes’ continued strength, particularly in race strategy.
Championship Picture
With his Miami victory, Oscar Piastri now leads the drivers' championship by 16 points over Norris, and Verstappen sits third. The 2025 Miami Grand Prix wasn't just a win for McLaren — it was a celebration of Formula 1’s growing presence in the United States. This year, a recordbreaking crowd of 275,000 fans attended the race. With momentum clearly on McLaren’s side, fans are now looking ahead to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. If Piastri continues to drive with the level of precision and confidence showcased in Miami, the rest of the grid will need to step up quickly, or Piastri and team McLaren may just keep dictating the pace in F1 racing.
■ McLaren driver Oscar Piastri secured his third consecutive victory in the Miami Grand Prix.
Photo courtesy of CREATIVE COMMONS
ZOOM: A car whizzes down the track.
Photo courtesy of CANVA and KEIRA SHEAR/The Justice
Brandeis men's tennis
The Brandeis men's tennis team hits the courts!
Photos: JAMES LI/The Justice. Design: JOAN COGLIANO/The
The 2025 Kentucky Derby sees Sovereignty make history
■ Sovereignty etches his name in the record books and surges to
By REMI YOUNG JUSTICE SPORTS EDITOR
On May 3, 2025, the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby was an exciting event at Churchill Downs, where Sovereignty emerged as the unexpected yet deserving winner on a rain-soaked track. Sovereignty, trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott and owned by racing powerhouse Godolphin, carved his name into horse racing history by clinching his first Derby victory.
Starting from post position 18, Sovereignty’s odds were 7-1, but viewers quickly saw that the muddy track did little to deter his momentum. Overcoming a recent shoulder injury, Jockey Junior Alvarado executed an impressive ride that led to his victory. Sovereignty got off to a slightly sluggish start, but once he approached the homestretch he surged past the race favorite, Journalism, and crossed the finish line in 2:02.31, finishing 1.5 lengths ahead of the second-place team. This victory marked a series of firsts and milestones. For Alvarado, it was his first win in the Kentucky Derby. For trainer Bill Mott, it was his second Derby triumph, the first in 2019 with Country House, who won under controversial circumstances following a disqualification.
Behind Sovereignty, the drama unfolded with fierce intensity. Journalism, the heavily favored 3-1 entry that had captured four consecutive wins leading up to the Derby, set the early pace and held the lead into the final stretch. However, the mud and pressure from the pack eventually wore him down, and he settled for second place, 1.5 lengths behind the winner. Third place went to Baeza, whose odds were 12-1, a late entry from the also-eligible list. He mounted a stunning charge from 15th place midway through the race. Traditionally, the financial stakes were just as high as the
sporting drama. A two dollars win bet on Sovereignty paid $17.96. The two dollars exacta pairing Sovereignty and Journalism returned $48.32, while the "fifty cent Sovereignty, Journalism, Baeza," brought in $115.56. The $1 superfecta including Final Gambit, the fourth place horse, paid an impressive $1,682.27, and for those who predicted the top five horses in exact order, the $1 Super High Five bet returned a jawdropping $38,405.96.
Despite the wet weather, 147,406 fans packed Churchill Downs to experience "The Run for the Roses." The National Broadcasting Company Sports also reported a massive television audience — 17.7 million viewers tuned in across NBC and Peacock, making it the mostwatched Derby broadcast since 1989.
Sovereignty’s rise from the back of the pack reminded many racing fans of one of the sport’s all-time greats, Secretariat. Secretariat’s legendary 1973 Derby performance still stands as the fastest in history at 1:59.40 for the 1¼mile distance. That race was just the beginning of his Triple Crown sweep, capped by a mind-blowing 31-length victory in the Belmont Stakes. Secretariat’s dominance was so profound that his legacy still looms over every Derby, with all of the horses in this year's race descendants of the most famous horse to run it.
Sovereignty displayed strategy and a talent that suggests more could be on the horizon. His composure under pressure, ability to handle difficult track conditions and strong finishing kick make him a strong contender for the remaining legs of the Triple Crown. Fans all over now turn their attention to the Preakness Stakes on May 17 in Baltimore, where Sovereignty will attempt to take the second step in his historic journey.
As the garland of roses was draped over Sovereignty and the crowd roared in celebration, fans couldn’t help but feel the magic. Whether it was the nod to legends like Secretariat, the classic attire worn by the crowd, the emotional firsts for Alvarado and Godolphin or the thrill of unexpected finishes, Churchill Downs is a timeless place, and the Kentucky Derby is one of the few sporting events that feels like it is stuck in the time of its inception.
JUDGES IN ACTION
The Justice Sports Editor, Remi Young '27, recounts the results of the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix p. 10.
Monday, May 19, 2025
Boston Celtics move on to the second round of playoffs
■ After defeating the Orlando Magic, the Celtics faced the New York Knicks in the National Basketball Association playoffs.
By REMI YOUNG JUSTICE SPORTS EDITOR
As the 2025 National Basketball Association Playoffs hit full stride, the Boston Celtics are dominating their competition and eyeing a trip to the finals for the second year in a row. After beating the Orlando Magic in five games in the first round, Boston now enters the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a healthy roster and momentum as they face off against the New York Knicks on Monday, May 5 in Boston.
The Celtics concluded the regular season with an impressive 61–21 record, earning the second seed in the East. Boston’s firstround opponent, the Orlando Magic, posed a unique challenge, capitalizing on their ag -
gressive gameplay and wowing the fans with their resilience on the court. Led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, Orlando stole Game three at home. However, the Celtics were unfazed and quickly responded with a 102-89 win in Game Four, closing the series back in Boston in Game five.
As expected, Jayson Tatum continued his success on the court, proving his dominance and leadership and averaging over 24.2 points in his postseason showings. Jaylen Brown complemented him well, providing crucial scoring and solid wing defense. The Celtics now face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals — a team they swept in the regular season. If needed, the teams will play 7 games up until May 19. New York enters the series after a gritty first-round victory, led by Jalen Brunson and their big man, Karl-Anthony Towns. Boston will have to couple their potent offense with a gritty and resilient defense, anchored by Defensive Player of the Year finalist Derrick White and supported by Brown and Jrue Holiday. Offensively, the Celtics rely on ball movement and
three-point shooting. They led the league in three-pointers made during the regular season, and that trend has carried into the playoffs. Tatum and Brown are dangerous from behind the arc, and Kristaps Porziņ has the ability to pull defenders out to the arc creates space for driving lanes and cuts, furthering their offensive game.
Health has been critical in the Celtics' strong playoff showing so far. Throughout the season and even in the first round, many of the Celtics' key leaders were injured. But as they enter the second round, their team is nearly at full strength, posing a dangerous threat to their opposition.
Looking ahead, the Celtics' championship window remains wide open, but nothing is guaranteed. The East is a competitive division; every opponent will give it their best shot. In an increasingly competitive league, the Celtics stand out, not just for their record or talent, but for how they’ve improved as a team, calling on their team morale and leadership. Unless an Eastern Conference rival can knock them off course, Boston has a good chance of heading back to the NBA finals.
CHARGE: Celtics player powers down the court.
Photo courtesy of CREATIVE COMMONS
RACE: Jockeys
Hats off to the class of 2025!
Photos: Eliza Bier and Xilei Ceci Chen/The Justice. Design: Eliza Bier/The Justice. Waltham, Mass.
The artistic connection between textiles and computers
By DAHLIA RAMIREZ JUSTICE STAFF WRITER
What do denim jeans and the iPhone have in common? The answer is: more than you think. Textiles and computers are both incredibly ubiquitous technologies. In fact, textiles are one of the oldest forms of technology that we use daily. The clothes we dress in every day represent hundreds of thousands of years of textile development — from the time humans first began to dress themselves in animal skins to the industrialization of garment creation during the 19th century. Meanwhile, computers are one of the newest technological advancements of the modern day. From smartphones to smart-refrigerators, computers have become fully integrated into our daily lives. While they may seem separate, the connection between these ancient and modern technologies is strong.
The invention of Jacquard looms in the early 18th century not only revolutionized the world of textiles, but also aided in the creation of the very first computers. Jacquard looms automated the weaving of complex textiles such as brocade, matelasse and damask, allowing patterns that were once painstakingly woven by hand to now be created with greater ease and efficiency. Weaving instructions were translated onto punch cards, communicating in a binary of “over” or “under” for each thread being woven. In the 1830s, Charles Babbage was inspired by the punch cards of the Jacquard loom and used them to store the programming for the first ever mechanical computer, which he named the Analytical Engine. As computers developed, paper punch cards were still used. In early digital computers, programming was stored on punch cards and read by machines that detected which places on the card were punched and not punched. This physical information was then translated into digital data in the form of ones and zeroes. Eventually, punch cards stopped being used in favor of more advanced methods of data storage and processing. However, the binary code of ones and zeroes is still used to code computers today, reflecting computers’ continued connection to the coding of Jacquard looms.
While punch cards may no longer be in use, our modern laptops, phones and other personal computers are still intimately linked to the history of textiles. Apple revolutionized the world of computers with the release of the first Macintosh in 1984. While the Mac was not the first personal computer on the market, its graphical user interface played a significant role in its widespread prevalence. As opposed to text based commands, Mac computers used visual symbols and pictures to communicate, making them easy and intuitive to use.
The designer behind these icons is Susan Kare. Kare was a sculptor when she was hired by Mac in 1982 and was tasked with creating graphics for various computer commands. She had never worked with computers before, but she saw the connection between pixels and textile arts, such as needlepoint and cross stitch, which she calls “pseudo-digital” art. Kare sketched her original set of designs on graphing paper, using her textile knowledge as well as her sense of humor and fun, to create a set of images for the Mac. She took inspiration from hieroglyphics, nordic symbols and mosaics. For example, if you look at the command key on your computer, the icon there is inspired by the Nordic Hannunvaakuna symbol. Kare designed icons such as a wristwatch to tell people to wait while the computer was loading, a paintbrush to open the painting applications and the iconic floppy disk image which launched the programs within the diskette inserted into the Mac. Symbols such as
TELEVISION REVIEW
the trash bin to discard files or the scissors to cut text have persisted until today and are present on most digital applications, even outside of Apple’s product range. Kare wanted users to feel welcomed and comfortable, putting a smiley face on an icon of the Mac which users would see when they turned on their computer. As Kare explained in an interview on the television series “The Computer Chronicles” in 1984, “you get an image of a content Mac so you know that everything is okay.”
Kare’s textile inspired work is also a precursor to the modern emoji, a technology that has changed the way humans communicate. Much like how Kare’s icons translated lengthy digital commands into easy to understand symbolic icons, emojis translate complex human emotions into symbolic images. Kare’s 12x12 pixel images inspired the first official set of emojis designed by Shigetaka Kurita in 1999, which bear a striking resemblance to her images.
So, while textiles and computers may initially seem unconnected, a deeper look into the history of the two reveal that textiles have influenced and revolutionized computers.
“M aid ” R eview : a co M plicated
R etelling of
By MIRABELL ROWLAND AND MINA ROWLAND JUSTICE STAFF WRITER AND JUSTICE ASSOCIATE EDITOR
After the mass layoffs that have continued to increase under the Trump administration, the reality of poverty is closer than ever before for many Americans. The past few years have seen an increase in the number of people experiencing housing insecurity with almost 40% of the United States population in 2023. While the term “homelessness” has negative connotations and stereotypes attached, the truth is there are so many ways in which one can lose their housing — from having a major health concern to losing a job or leaving a situation of domestic violence. In particular, the Netflix series “Maid” has interrogated the complexity of poverty in a particularly poignant way.
“Maid” proves to be a difficult watch but an incredibly realistic retelling of one young mother’s story of survival. Told in 10 episodes, we watch as Alex (played by Margaret Qually) leaves her abusive boyfriend, Sean (played by Nick Robinson), and is then forced to reconcile with the bureaucratic systems that trap her in contradictions and catch-22s. We see the ebb and flow of her life as she navigates gaining employment, taking care of her adorable two-year-old daughter Maddy (played by Rylea Nevaeh Whittet) and becoming independent.
The complexity infused in the series is what makes it shine. Rather than glossing over traumatic experiences to showcase the ‘rags to riches’ mantra, it delves into Alex’s journey with all the twists and turns. Viewers watch as Alex fights to get full custody of her daughter, stay with different members of her estranged family — first her mom and then her dad — and survive abuse from her ex-boyfriend. We see a brilliant juxtaposition of poverty and wealth when she meets Regina and begins to clean her alluring house in Fisher Island once a week.
Anika Noni-Rose beautifully inhabits Regina’s complex character. Although on the outside she is the typical uptight wealthy woman, she is also a rare representation of Black women. Not only her wealth, but her unapologetic nature, allows for space to be who she is fully. She also illustrates the idea that wealth isn’t protection from pain and heartbreak. It’s a lesson Alex learns on the night of Thanksgiving, when Regina tells her about her failing marriage and her inability to have children with Regina’s vulnerability and need for human connection, it made sense that she would have a strong friendship with Alex.
Yet, we can’t understand with the way that the women’s friendship doesn’t reach its full potential. A moment of vulnerability shared by Alex, when she has lost her housing and wants her daughter to attend the fancy preschool “Island Friends,” is lost on Regina. Alex asks Regina about staying in her guest room or even just using her address, a suggestion Regina is immediately against. While the two have a cordial relationship that becomes stronger toward the end of the series, it is our opinion that their friendship could have been much more. Ultimately, this series is striking because of the story and the way the story is shown. The cinematography is in-your-face, and we’re not mad about it. For example, the screen has overlaying text that lets viewers know how much money Alex is losing when she pays for groceries or supplies, and how much money she is making after she cleans a house. Additionally, more creative moments allow for the audience to understand Alex and get inside her head. One moment that stands out is when she is forced to stay with her ex, and she is dealing with depression and anxiety. She tunes out everything around her as she sits on the couch and then literally sinks into this dark well.
The directors carefully crafted storylines that balance great complexity in every scene. The tension between family, friends and society is especially present in “Maid,” but the best moments were not the dramatic ones. For us, the series weaves in beautiful moments of joy expressing a wonderful chemistry between Alex and her adorable young daughter. There is joy when they sing together as they venture into the forest, when she finds almost a hundred “My Little Ponies” and cheers Maddy up even while they are in a shelter. These moments are the best parts of the series as they demonstrate Alex’s incredible tenacity. While the last episode is one finally full of hope for a brighter future, we were ready to see more, but it ended before the next chapter really truly began.
‘DIVINE SWEATER’ WARMS BRANDEIS
By MAEVE COAKLEY JUSTICE ARTS EDITOR
On April 30, Brandeis Radio Service or WBRS invited ‘Divine Sweater’ to perform at their spring concert to close out the academic year. ‘Divine Sweater’ played a 45 minute set which included new and unreleased songs including a cover of “The Boys are Back in Town” by Thin Lizzy. The small crowd of students gathered on the Great Lawn to dance and vibe to the music.
Top 10 Batman Villains
By MIRIAM GRODIN JUSTICE COPY EDITOR
1.
2.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
SUDOKU
By NEMMA KALRA JUSTICE DEPUTY EDITOR
Harley Quinn
Joker
Catwoman
Ra’s al Ghul
Two-Force
Poison Ivy
Bane
Clayface
9. Riddler
Scarecrow
SKYE ENTWOOD/The Justice