Hey Patriots, 

This week our News staff and my co editor and I delved into a little bit of Mason history and went through our archives to find out more about the presidential search processes of 1996 and 2011. 

To say that they were wildly different wouldn’t be uncalled for. But, even still, both of them carried some of the same undertones and concerns that today’s presidential search does. Read more about what we found on page five.

Our archives also brought to my attention an important part of Mason’s history. Throughout my time at Mason I have seen time and time again students standing up for what they believe in and what they feel is important — and it seems the students of Mason’s past did so as well. 

On Nov. 11, 1996, Mason student’s attended a Board of Visitors meeting to advocate for establishing a “Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Transgender Resource Center.” And in April 1994, students voiced their concerns about the safety of disabled students during fire evacuation procedures. Students have also, it seems, always been concerned about rising tuition costs, but I’m sure that’s not a big shock to anyone.

So, I guess you could say that as much as some things change, some things stay the same. Mason students pushing for change is part of our history. 

Today, as our own presidential search heats up, I’m glad to say that that same drive is alive and well in the Mason community. 

For the most recent updates about what is going on in Mason’s current presidential search, flip to page six.

This issue, our Culture section highlighted another important part of the Mason community and attended the fifth annual Black Excellence Gala, where Dewberry Hall was filled with music and art created by Black Mason students all night long. Read all about the celebration on page nine.

Meanwhile, our Opinion section has an article talking about how climate change will affect public health on page 13.

And, last but not least, our Sports section wrapped up the NFL season with a review of the season and a commentary on how weird it was for our Sports editor Natalie Heavren to not see the Patriots in the Super Bowl this year. 

As always, let us know your comments, concerns or questions at masonfourthestate@gmail.com. 

Best, 

Hailey Bullis

Co Editor-in-Chief