With the end of the semester rapidly approaching, we wanted to feature a diverse array of topics that are important to consider, but all too easy to forget, at both the national and local levels. Specifically, we highlight the cruel impacts of the Trump administration’s immigration policy on children across the country, the importance of pushing for policies that will increase accountability in the Austin Police Department and the misguided concept and structure of the university’s ContribUTe student giving campaign. 

Elissa Steglich, a clinical professor at the UT School of Law, argues that the Trump administration’s immigration policies constitute a war on undocumented children. She urges Congress to protect Dreamers, and pass legislation aimed at securing their permanent future. 

Doug Snyder, president of University Democrats, calls for students to get involved in pressuring the City of Austin to establish new police contracts that will increase accountability and combat institutional racism. 

Finally, Leah Kashar, a former Forum editor, argues that the ContribUTe campus-wide student giving campaign was inappropriate because it placed the burden of funding crucial programs on the people ­— students — who already contribute significant financial resources to the university.

As always, if you have thoughts about these subjects or any others, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Nemawarkar is a Plan II and government junior from Austin. Shirvaikar is a math and economics junior from Frisco.