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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

What role do names play in shaping our lives?

What role do names play in shaping our lives?

By Taurean Small | March 28, 2011

If my picture was removed from this column, would you know I was African-American simply from the name, Taurean? Surely you would think I was black if my name was DeShawn. According to the book Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side...

Local Church raises funds for Tanzania

By Zachary Brictson | March 27, 2011

DeKALB | Baroque-era music filled the sanctuary of the First Congregational United Church of Christ on Sunday as part of an effort to raise money for schools in Tanzania. The fundraiser was part of Tanzania Development Support's mission to construct a...

Cutting funds for education will raise local taxes

Cutting funds for education will raise local taxes

By Logan Short | March 20, 2011

Gov. Quinn's budget proposal has come under some criticism for its plans to cut $1.3 billion in education. One portion of that cut includes cutting all funding of the state-mandated Regional Offices of Education. If you're like I was and have no clue...

Scholarship for Caucasian males is misguided

By Jack Baker | March 6, 2011

Is there anything more ridiculous than young, white males complaining about equality? I really don't think so. A new non-profit group at Texas State University, The Former Majority Association for Equality, is offering scholarships to a group of students...

Most young people are politically apathetic

Most young people are politically apathetic

By Nathan Fulkerson | March 2, 2011

To use the rallying cry of the demonstrators gathered at the MLK Commons in support of the Wisconsin labor struggle, "It's pathetic to be apathetic." Most of us have been in an argument or discussion with someone and raised a point or fact that is fundamental...

Teachers are too important to have their pensions cut

Teachers are too important to have their pensions cut

By Kathryn Minniti | February 28, 2011

What is the most important career? Most people would say doctors, police officers, firefighters,or even the president; but they would be wrong. The most important job out of them all would be the person from whom the doctors, the police officers, the...

The negative effects of being digitally connected

The negative effects of being digitally connected

By Nathan Fulkerson | February 21, 2011

We need to have a talk. No, you are going to have to put your cell phone away, and stop refreshing Facebook to see if someone ‘liked' your LOLcat. It can wait, really. The innovation of smart phones, laptops, even more portable netbooks and MP3 players...

NIU needs to emphasize critical thinking skills

NIU needs to emphasize critical thinking skills

By Jack Baker | February 20, 2011

Less than 10 percent of college seniors were proficient in critical thinking, according to the 2005 American Association of Colleges and Universities Liberal Education Outcomes report. Additionally, 45 percent of students did not show any significant...

Who’s responsible?: NIU faculty, students respond to criticism of higher education

By Jacqueline Evans | January 26, 2011

The Chronicle of Higher Education recently reported on the findings of the book, Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses, which comments on college graduates, stating that "more than a third of college seniors are no better at crucial...

Is the DREAM Act good for America? Yes.

Is the DREAM Act good for America? Yes.

By Aaron Brooks | December 1, 2010

Maybe it is because my ancestors immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1840 that I support the DREAM Act. Maybe it is because I am a progressive and believe that all humans should be treated with equality and dignity that I am against keeping...

How can higher education become more affordable?

By Shadonna Merriweather | November 29, 2010

DeKALB| According to USA Today, the average debt for college graduates is $21,700. Some students finish a four year education with loans exceeding $40,000, and if graduate school is decided upon, the cost will increase. According to State Representative...