Dear Patriots,

This has been an interesting semester so far, to say the least. Between the construction taking up most of campus and the robots periodically running into people around fence corners, it’s been a very different spring for a very different Mason.

As you start rolling through the semester, don’t forget to block out time for studying and online classes (do as I say, not as I do). It’s easy to fall behind after a slow start. Additionally, keep an eye out for any special guest speakers Mason may invite this season—as the field of Democratic presidential candidates and coffee tycoons grows, we’ll inevitably be hosting many of them. Keep in mind that some of these will not be announced until a couple days before they come.

This issue has some very important stories in it. Like most others in the Commonwealth, we were caught off guard by the sudden scandal from Governor Northam. You can find our coverage in the News section. You can also find some of my own bylines in this issue: check out my interview with President Cabrera in Culture and my story on student poverty in Opinions.

February is Black History Month, and it’s an important time to remember the meaning of white privilege and the ongoing struggle of African Americans as well as to read up on American history— you should be doing these things all year, but if you’re not, now’s your chance. As Dr. King said, “Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”

Your Editor In Chief,

Alexander Shedd