The Campanile

Executive order attacking birthright citizenship crosses constitutional line

The Editors-in-Chief • April 17, 2025

Of the flurry of executive orders signed on inauguration day by President Donald Trump, most have been challenged and stalled in court. Trump has fully wielded — if not overstepped — the power of...

America can’t afford Trump’s tariffs

The Editors-in-Chief • April 15, 2025

Since his inauguration in January, President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on a range of imports: 25% tariffs on all aluminum and steel imports effective March 12, followed by tariffs on finished...

Trump’s attack on DEI harms American values

The Editors-in-Chief • March 20, 2025

Throughout history, America has been referred to as a melting pot, where diverse cultures and traditions have blended to form a unique national identity. Diversity is a cornerstone that has been the country’s...

Pause ethnic studies requirement

The Editors-in-Chief • February 10, 2025

In a 3-2 vote at its Jan. 23 meeting, the Palo Alto Board of Education approved California Ethnic Studies as a graduation requirement for the class of 2029. The Campanile thinks the board made the wrong...

Chiu should apologize, not resign

The Editors-in-Chief • February 10, 2025

After a heated, five-hour school board meeting where a required freshman ethnic studies course was approved by a narrow 3-2 margin, newly elected board of education member Rowena Chiu, on Jan. 27, reposted...

Expanding California Avenue, University Avenue to chain stores will boost revenue, foot traffic

The Editors-in-Chief • January 6, 2025

The Palo Alto City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 19 to implement the first part of its multi-step plan to fill vacancies in major commercial centers. The city updated its policy for California Avenue,...

Inmates should be forced to work

The Editors-in-Chief • December 18, 2024

Californians voted in the November election to keep wording in the state constitution that allows involuntary servitude in state prisons. With 53.3% voting against Proposition 6, incarcerated individuals...

Palo Alto should discontinue Link, invest in shuttle

The Editors-in-Chief • December 6, 2024

With unanimous approval from the Palo Alto City Council, the Palo Alto Link will extend its transportation service through June 2025. Launched in March 2023, the rideshare program, operated by Nomad Transportation,...

Law that ends legacy, donor admissions will increase equity

The Editors-in-Chief • November 19, 2024

Signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September, California Assembly Bill 1780 bars private California colleges from considering legacy and donor preferences in admission decisions. The bill will go into effect...

Assembly Bill 3216 is a half-hearted attempt to address phone addiction in teenagers; district should give control to teachers

The Editors-in-Chief • October 29, 2024

Passed in September, California Assembly Bill 3216 follows 14 other states’ efforts in making an attempt to curb electronic classroom distractions. The bill will require school districts to adopt a policy...

Vote Chiu, Kamhi, Salcman for Board of Education

The Editors-in-Chief • October 21, 2024

Palo Alto residents will vote between Rowena Chiu, Nicole Chiu-Wang, Chris Colohan, Alison Kamhi and Josh Salcman to fill three open seats on Palo Alto Unified School District’s Board of Education on...

New attendance system flawed, needs revision

The Editors-in-Chief • October 20, 2024

To reduce classroom downtime and streamline student attendance, administration implemented a new attendance system at the start of this school year. Instead of teachers manually taking attendance, students...