Published on May 6, 2013

Jesse Hall seen through a window of Tate Hall (pre-renovation)

Many of the pieces published in this issue invite readers to think deeply about questions of policy—which course of action should be pursued in a given set of circumstances? Whether the topic is substance abuse, animal slaughter, or campus violence, these writers are, admirably, less interested in delivering neatly packaged answers than they are in reminding readers why these issues are important and why these questions need to be asked. This kind of approach has the potential to open conversations where multiple perspectives are welcomed and where new and useful ideas can develop and grow. This problem-solving approach to writing about controversial topics can change the world when it motivates us to continually examine and alter  our policies to be more just, more humane, and more beneficial for all.