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Cory Booker’s record-breaking speech: A moment that still echoes

Lauren Aguirre Medina
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Cory Booker’s record-breaking speech: A moment that still echoes

When you think of a filibuster, you might imagine a senator standing at the podium, talking for hours just to delay a vote. It is not always glamorous – sometimes it is barely noticed. But when Senator Cory Booker took to the Senate floor for his record-breaking speech, he turned what could have been another procedural moment into a powerful message about democracy.

On April 1, 2025, Senator Booker, who has represented New Jersey in the U.S. Senate since 2013, spoke for 25 hours and 5 minutes, setting a record for the longest speech in Senate history. 

The scene had all the markings of a classic Senate moment: one senator standing at the podium, speaking through the night and into the next day. While long speeches in the Senate aren’t unheard of, Booker’s extended remarks drew attention because of the timing and the topic.

What was the topic? Booker was speaking out against a controversial voting rights bill that, according to critics, would restrict access to the ballot in several key states. His speech, in that context, was seen as a way to spotlight the national conversation around election access and the role of federal oversight in voting procedures.

“I’m not here just to run out the clock,” Booker said early in the speech. “I’m here because the clock is running out on too many Americans’ right to vote.”

Booker’s delivery varied throughout the speech. At some points, he spoke with emphasis and energy; at others, his tone was more reflective and steady. The format allowed him to address both the specifics of the bill and broader themes in a way that could reach a wide audience. Whether following along in the Senate or watching from home, listeners were presented with a mix of the law-making process and broader commentary on civic participation.

He quoted everyone from Martin Luther King Jr. to Toni Morrison to his constituents in Newark. And rather than just railing against the bill, he offered a vision of what inclusive democracy should look like: accessible, fair and resilient.

Sure, a long speech is one thing, but what made this moment stand out was the reaction it sparked.

For starters, the speech went viral. Clips flooded social media, especially when Booker, well past the 20-hour mark, quoted Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” while visibly exhausted. People across the country (and across the political spectrum) were moved by the determination he showed. Whether or not folks agreed with his position, many admired his willingness to go the distance.

Perhaps most importantly, Booker’s marathon session reignited conversations within the Democratic Party about using every tool available to protect democratic processes. Some progressive lawmakers cited his speech as evidence that passion and persistence can still move the needle, even in a deeply polarized Senate.

So far, the speech hasn’t changed the outcome of the bill — it passed the Senate along party lines just a few days later. But that doesn’t mean the speech didn’t matter. It’s being remembered less for the immediate legislative outcome and more for the cultural and political signal it sent.

Several political analysts have compared it to past landmark speeches, like Bernie Sanders’ 2010 filibuster on tax cuts or Wendy Davis’ 2013 stand-in at Texas on abortion rights. These moments didn’t necessarily stop laws from passing, but they reshaped public discourse and left a lasting impression.

Booker said he didn’t plan to speak that long, but once he started receiving messages from high school students, civil rights leaders, and even fellow senators, he felt a responsibility to keep going.

“It wasn’t just my voice anymore,” he said in a post-speech interview. “It was a chorus.”

Cory Booker’s record-breaking speech was more than just a long-winded Senate moment; it was a political performance with grit and a clear message. It reminded people what a senator can do with a microphone and a mission.

UM School of Communication adds social media minor

Lazaro Chavez
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UM School of Communication adds social media minor

The University of Miami’s School of Communication will launch a social media minor this fall, offering students the opportunity to gain professional skills in digital communications and content strategy. 

Developed under the direction of Heidi Carr, the program director for the Undergraduate Public Relations Program, the minor is officially called  Strategic Social Media Communication– the 15-credit minor and includes five courses designed to give students a competitive edge in one of communication’s fastest-growing sectors. 

“Social media is so important, and we need to do more with that,” Carr said. “All fields in communication are looking for people with social media skills. It’s got to be front and center.”

The program was pitched five years ago but had been set aside for two reasons. The first was to bolster the already existing public relations minor and the second was because the demand for social media was not as pressing as it is now. However, last year, the program gained final approval as more and more companies look to expand their social media presences.

The minor will include one required class in Social Media Messaging and Strategy as well as a range of courses to choose from including strategy and content creation.

In addition to the mandatory courses, students will also be able to apply credits from within the School of Communication to the minor such as Podcasting and Creative Smartphone Photo Illustration. If a student has already taken one of these courses but wishes to apply it to their minor, can do so.

According to Carr, the curriculum was designed with industry relevance in mind.  It reflects research showing digital media as one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States. 

While students will have to wait until summer 2025 to enroll, the new program is sure to create excitement. Carr compared its buzz to the response students had to the recently added STC 290 course, “The Mastermind of the Taylor Swift Brand.” 

“Timing was everything,” Carr said. “Interest has changed. It’s no longer just about traditional PR or journalism — it’s about telling stories that matter and building relationships through the platforms people use every day.”

UM alumnus among youngest to travel to every country in the world

Elena Fallow
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UM alumnus among youngest to travel to every country in the world

Double ’Cane Cameron Mofid has been around the world and back. Literally. 

At 25 years old, he is considered the youngest person to have visited every country in the world by NomadMania, a respected organization amongst extreme travelers. 

During his journey, Mofid did it all. From cage diving with sharks in Cape Town, ziplining through Belize and hitchhiking in the mountains of Pakistan to even running a marathon in North Korea –– there isn’t much that Mofid has not done.

From coast to coast

Mofid grew up in San Diego, California, where he expressed interest in geography, different cultures and tennis from a young age.

“I was an avid tennis player, and I had a junior world ranking on the ITF tour,” Mofid said. “I actually went for my senior year of high school to a tennis sporting school called Sanchez-Casal Academy in Naples, Florida.”

However, Mofid decided not to play tennis in college and instead took a gap year to work for a professional tennis player. 

“I traveled to a bunch of tournaments all over the world, working in tournaments, writing for a tennis magazine,” Mofid said. “I went to Hong Kong, Singapore, Milan, London, Marrakesh, cities I had only seen on a map before.”

Eventually, his gap year came to an end, and Mofid went to college.

Travel days and BBAs

“I started at the University of Miami in Fall 2019,” Mofid said. “I chose UM not just for its strong academics, but also because I loved the idea of living in one of the world’s most diverse

and international cities.”

However, college did not give Mofid the same sense of freedom that many of his classmates looked forward to. 

“I had just been backpacking around the world for a full year, and then I got to UM and had to be at class at this time, and I have these commitments and stay in this dorm,” he said. “I don’t want to say it was confining, but I longed for that freedom that I had the prior year.”

Despite having his obligations in Miami, Mofid still made efforts to travel when he could. So much so that he picked up a job in event marketing as a freshman to pay for the cost of his travels. 

“I went to Guatemala, Cayman Islands, Panama, and El Salvador during little breaks,” Mofid said.

When the COVID-19 pandemic started, Mofid found himself researching how many countries there are in the world, and how many people have visited them all.

“The fact that more people had been to space than every country was crazy to me,” he said. “That inspired me. I wanted a near-impossible goal to push myself to the limit.” 

Mofid then realized he wanted to join the exclusive group of travelers that have visited every country. 

Around that same time, Mofid’s friend suggested making their own event marketing business to promote student nightlife events. This business allowed Mofid to save up over the next three years for his adventure ahead. 

He completed his BBA in finance and management in three years and graduated magna

cum laude. Then, he was accepted into UM’s MBA program and was honored to graduate as the valedictorian of his MBA class.

“I had been to about 100 countries by the time I finished my MBA from traveling on breaks, weekends, and missing a week of school here and there.” Mofid said. “After I graduated, I threw a bunch of clothes in a Nike duffle bag and took off for 2 and a half years and visited the last 90 countries on my list.”

Mr. Worldwide 

Mofid spent those 2 and a half years hopping from country to country with no set plan. 

“I’d take long trips focused on specific regions, like West Africa or Central Asia, and visit neighboring countries one after the other,” he said. “It was more efficient and cost-effective that way.”

This gave him the flexibility of being able to stay in certain countries for longer than others. 

He would spend only a day in smaller countries like Andorra and Liechtenstein but he allotted several weeks for larger countries. Australia and Venezuela are both on lists of favorites. 

“I just think that the vibes in Australia are the best,” he said. “It is such an awesome country with so much to see, so much to do, and the people are very nice.”

According to Mofid, it’s the countries you don’t expect much from that have the most to offer. 

“The places that have the most economic instability and the most political instability are places that you find the kindest people and the most rewarding travel experiences. Venezuela is at the top of that list,” Mofid said. 

On his Instagram page with more than 5,000 followers, Mofid shares videos of himself taking in the Venezuelan beauty while on a helicopter ride to Angel Falls, boat rides through the rainforest, many hikes to hidden gems and the people themselves.

Mofid feels that for the size of the country, there is no other place that has more to see than Venezuela and prefers its natural beauty over ultra-touristy cities. 

However, Mofid’s most rewarding experience came from starting his non-profit Humanity Effect, an organization that carries out humanitarian projects in the underdeveloped community of Makoko, Nigeria. 

“When I visited Nigeria, my 115th country, I spent time in Makoko, a slum built partly on stilts over a lagoon. The poverty there was heartbreaking,” he said. “After that experience, I launched a GoFundMe to support a local school I had visited.”

Mofid was able to raise $5,000 with the help of his ’Canes family and his friends from his travels. NBA player Kyrie Irving, donated an additional $45,000 to the cause. 

“With that amount of money, I felt that I have a responsibility to be a steward for the money and make sure that it lasts and makes a sustainable impact on the community,” he said. “And so I founded Humanity Effect.”

As of today, Humanity Effect has built a second school for the community and is halfway done with their construction of a medical center. The two buildings currently support more than 750 children. 

The toughest treks

Despite meeting amazing people and experiencing many new cultures, Mofid’s trip around the world brought about some unforeseen challenges.

“It was very low-budget travel. I spent three years hitchhiking in Africa, traveling through mountains to Afghanistan,” Mofid said. 

Mofid recalled his stressful yet memorable trip to Afghanistan through the Torkham border crossing, the busiest checkpoint on the Afghan-Pakistan border. 

“Both my initial and rebooked flights were canceled, so I ended up overlanding solo through the mountains from Pakistan,” he said. “At the border, I was interrogated by Pakistani intelligence because they couldn’t understand why an American would be traveling solo into Taliban-controlled territory.”

Another memorable experience he shared was getting stuck in Mogadishu, Somalia after a suspected terrorist attack shut down the airport. With his flight canceled and the military on high alert, Mofid has to take a domestic flight to northern Somalia and leave the country from there.

However, the hardest challenge of all was visiting North Korea, which had been closed to foreigners since the beginning of COVID-19 in 2020. 

“North Korea opened briefly for tourism for a couple weeks, but just to the northern region of Rason,” he said. “I was supposed to go there, but the Koreans only opened briefly and then closed it very suddenly.”

Shortly after, North Korea announced that it would host the 31st annual Pyongyang marathon for the first time in six years. With tourism still closed, Mofid and other participants needed a special athlete visa to enter as part of a delegation of athletes.

“I’ve never run in any sort of race. I’m not a marathon runner, but this was the avenue that enabled me to complete the mission of visiting every country,” he said.

After the finish line

Mofid has since returned home to California, becoming the youngest person to visit every country by most standards. However, he did not make the cut for the Guinness World Record title.

“The current Guinness record holder, a 21-year-old woman, accomplished something very impressive,” Mofid said. “But in my view, and the view of many in the extreme travel community, her journey didn’t fully meet the spirit of ‘visiting’ every country.”

“For example, Guinness counted her visit to an office in the DMZ – the demilitarized zone

between North and South Korea –– as visiting North Korea,” he said. “They also allowed travelers to simply clear immigration at an airport and turn right back around.”

Despite missing out on the Guinness World Record title, Mofid is still proud of what he did and is sad that it is over. 

“Visiting every country has been my dream for the past five years,” he said. “I’m incredibly grateful for all the people I met and the experiences I shared with them. Now that this chapter has ended, I’m excited for what’s next. Whatever that is, I know I’ll pursue it with the same relentless curiosity and passion that carried me through this journey.”

Mofid also continues his efforts to raise funds for Makoko through Humanity Effect. Its ultimate goal is to end the city’s education crisis. It is supported by passionate volunteers and donors who are all dedicated to improving Makoko.

Mofid’s advice to those who want to travel is, “Just go for it. You don’t have to go somewhere expensive or far away. You don’t even have to leave your country. Being a traveler is more about your mindset than your mileage.”

Cuvet’s go-ahead double in the eighth helps Miami edge out Boston College in 2-1 pitching duel 

Jayden Gonzalez
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Cuvet’s go-ahead double in the eighth helps Miami edge out Boston College in 2-1 pitching duel 

On a cloudy Friday afternoon in Boston, the Miami Hurricanes edged out the Boston College Golden Eagles in a 2-1 pitcher’s duel. 

Tied at one in the eighth inning, the Hurricanes needed a big hit against Boston College ace A.J. Colarusso. With Max Galvin on first and two out, Miami third baseman Daniel Cuvet lined an RBI double into the gap in right center field. Cuvet was thrown out at third but not before breaking the 1-1 tie.

After 4.1 innings of one run baseball against No. 13 ranked Georgia Tech a week ago, UM starting pitcher Griffin Hugus put up another dominant performance. Against the Golden Eagles, the Cincinnati transfer went six strong, giving up one run on four hits. For the seventh time this season, the junior pitcher has given up two or less runs. His ERA sits at 3.56, placing himself among the best in the ACC.

In the bottom of the frame, Miami (25-18, 10-9 ACC) head coach J.D. Arteaga turned the ball to starter-turned reliever Brian Walters to get a four out save. With Josiah Ragsdale at first, the ball got away from catcher Tanner Smith. Ragsdale jetted to second, but an incredible throw and diving tag by Dorian Gonzalez Jr. got the runner out to end the inning.

Walters shut the door easily in the ninth, getting Boston College to go down in order on just seven pitches. 

Since switching from Sunday starter to closer, the redshirt junior has played his best baseball as a Hurricane. In his 8.1 innings working out of the bullpen, Walters has totaled five saves, allowing one earned run on three hits. 

Despite picking up his fifth loss of the season, Colarusso shut down the UM offense. In eight innings of work, the southpaw allowed two runs on three hits, striking out five and walking three. He threw 103 pitches, 67 for strikes.

After four innings of scoreless baseball, the ’Canes jumped first in the fifth. With the bases loaded and one out, freshman Michael Torres stepped up to get the scoring going. Torres lined a ball to shortstop Sam McNulty, who made a diving play to get the force out at second. Bobby Marsh scored on the fielder’s choice, giving UM a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Golden Eagles (21-21, 9-13 ACC) tied the game up. Following back-to-back walks and a sacrifice bunt, BC was set up with runners on second and third with one out. Facing Hugus, sophomore Esteban Garica flew out to dead center field, bringing Vince Cimini home from third.

Carson Fischer got the nod to replace Hugus in the seventh. The graduate student transfer from Davenport executed his role perfectly, pitching 1.2 innings of scoreless baseball. Tonight marks Fischer’s third consecutive appearance of allowing no runs in his relief outings.

The Hurricanes look to take the series against the Golden Eagles on Saturday. AJ Ciscar will toe the slab in Boston against JD Ogden. First pitch at the Eddie Pellagrini Diamond is at noon.

Miami Dolphins select Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant with 1st round pick

Jadyn Cohee
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Miami Dolphins select Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant with 1st round pick

The Miami Dolphins have selected defensive tackle Kenneth Grant from Michigan with the No. 13 pick in the first round on Thursday night. 

Standing tall and strong at 6-foot-4 and 331 pounds, the Indiana native is an addition to the defensive line that has dominating strength and the right build with long arms and a strong lower body. His versatile skill set makes him an asset to a team that has many holes to fill in its roster. Between now and August, head coach Mike McDaniel has time to shape up his sack production and explosiveness. 

The departure of lineman Christian Wilkins last offseason was a big loss, and veteran Calais Campbell signed with Arizona, closing his career chapter with Miami. That leaves the Dolphins thin up front. In his rookie campaign, Grant wishes to play into his surprising skills. 

“A lot of guys this size aren’t really as fast as me or can finesse things like me,” Grant said. “So I think I can just work off that.” 

While many expected a position such as a cornerback to be the first new addition to Miami, McDaniel and Dolphins general manager Chris Grier felt confident in their decision. 

“We don’t view [defensive tackles] as just the run stoppers,” Grier said following the pick. “The ability to push the pocket in the middle is a huge thing in the NFL now.” 

This confidence was solidified when other teams made the effort to text Grier, saying they wished they had gotten Grant onto their roster. Coach McDaniel added that Grant will add a “tonality” to the team and “bring the best out of other players.” 

As the first Michigan player since 2008 to make the trip down south to Miami, Grant leaves behind a memorable track record from his time at The Big House. In 2024, he started 12 games, posting 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. 

Grant was also named a Third-Team AP All-American and Second-Team All-Big Ten member and was part of the Wolverines national championship team in 2023 alongside his best friend and fifth overall pick, Mason Graham. The Ann Arbor connection also tugs at the heart of Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, one of Michigan’s most notable alumni. 

Grant pressures well for his size, with his push showing a heaviness behind it. With a heavier weight and size, players often find issues with injuries over time, but both Grier and McDaniel are not concerned about it. 

Following the first round, Grant was joyous, sporting a sharp blue suit and decorated chain, which he wore to pay homage to his grandparents. His grandfather made a large impact on Grant’s life. And Grant made sure to attribute his grandfather for inspiring his love of fishing, a passion that will come in handy in Miami as he attempts to grab his best “mahi-mahi.” 

As he envisions his next few years as a Dolphin, Grant hopes to be one of the best guys in the league on and off the field, with a Super Bowl ring at the top of his wish list. While Grant did not anticipate a journey to Miami, the tackle welcomes it. And this defensive asset can continue to build up the Dolphins and give the defensive line exactly it needs. Looking ahead to the next two days, the Dolphins have nine more picks prepared.

Trump Administration walks back visa policy

Katie Karlson
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Trump Administration walks back visa policy

After lawsuits from students and rallies led by angry professors, the Trump administration suddenly reversed its decision to cancel more than 1,500 visas held by international students. 

The Department of Justice announced this afternoon that Immigration and Customs Enforcement will restore the immigration records of students whose visas had been revoked. 

According to Politico, more than 100 lawsuits, in at least 23 states, have been filed in the wake of the initial moves by the Trump administration to cancel student visas. In more than 50 of these lawsuits, judges had ordered the temporary reinstatement of the student visas. 

Judges had ruled that removing students from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System database is illegal. 

SEVIS stores all visa records in an online database. These records allow universities and the federal government to track the number of international students. All students visiting the U.S. on F-1 visa (the visas for full-time students) have a SEVIS number and record. 

Judges also expressed frustration about the lack of clarity regarding whether students needed to leave immediately or whether they could finish taking classes. Some students have reportedly left the U.S. voluntarily out of fear that they might be forcefully deported. 

A Justice Department attorney read out a written statement  in court, saying that ICE is now working on a new policy for students in the U.S. on F-1 visas. .  

“ICE is developing a policy that will provide a framework for SEVIS record terminations,” said the attorney. “Until such a policy is issued, the SEVIS records for plaintiff(s) in this case (and other similarly situated plaintiffs) will remain active or shall be reactivated if not currently active and ICE will not modify the record solely based on the NCIC finding that resulted in the recent SEVIS record termination.” 

The National Crime Information Center, known as the NCIC, is an online database compiled by the FBI. Law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies use this database to quickly access records such as missing persons, wanted persons and other criminal history. 

The DOJ attorney added, “ICE maintains the authority to terminate a SEVIS record for other reasons such as if the plaintiff fails to maintain his or her nonimmigrant status after the record is reactivated or engages in other unlawful activity that would render him or her removable from the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act.” 

Starting in March, the Trump administration worked to cancel visas and deport students who protested against Israel. Recently, however, hundreds of other students were informed that their visas had been canceled. 

Some of these students reportedly had minor infractions, such as traffic violations, but many did not. It’s unclear why their visas were terminated. 

This policy reversal is one of many issues that the federal government has backed down on since President Trump took office. Others include not shutting down free COVID-19 testing and not freezing some federal grants. 

CSO Summit & Symposium educates students on sustainability in sports

Katie Karlson
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CSO Summit & Symposium educates students on sustainability in sports

At the eighth annual CSO Summit & Symposium, pioneers in incorporating sustainability across the sports industry shared how athletes can work to create a personal brand and build a career that is longer-lasting than the one just on the field. 

The morning began with an introduction from John Koudounis, the CEO of Calamos Investments. 

“This year’s theme, sports business and social impact, will illustrate how the world of sports has recognized the need to have a sustainable cause in order to make a greater impact on the future,” said Koudounis. “It’s clear that most forward-thinking sports organizations, leagues, and individual athletes are partnering with sustainable-focused businesses to accomplish their long-term goals.”

Daniel Hicks, the organizer of this summit and professor at the Miami Herbert Business School, emphasized the importance of relating sustainable business to industries that appeal to a wide audience. 

“I felt it was important, especially given some of the skepticism that we’ve heard about corporate sustainability and sustainable business, to look at an industry that’s neutral and that both sides support. That industry is sports,” said Hicks. “Sustainable business now has the pressure on it to perform and show results and produce impact. So what is that impact? I believe that it’s getting out there and showing results. And nobody shows results, and understands results, better than athletes.”

Professor Daniel Hicks presents at the CSO Summit & Symposium on Friday, Apr. 25, 2025. Photo contributed by Mel Tenkoff.

The summit took place on Friday, Apr. 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lakeside Village Auditorium. 

Each of its three sessions highlighted a different aspect of sports and sustainability. The first session focused on talent and media, the second on investing and the summit concluded by discussing citizenship. 

One topic that kept coming up was the discussion surrounding NIL salaries. 

Tina Brown, CEO of the Overtown Youth Center Miami, shared her thoughts on how UM’s business program can help athletes navigate this money. 

“I definitely think there are classes that college athletes should be required to take,” said Brown. “Business management, financial management, I think all of those courses are important for learning how to manage your money, investments, things like that.”

Roger McClendon, co-host of this event and the executive director of Green Sports Alliance, shared similar views that properly educating athletes was crucial to their success.  

“As long as you educate yourself and you can ask the right questions, you can bring in experts that can help you be more successful in managing those opportunities and managing those risks,” said McClendon. “It’s all about risk analysis, and we talk about the exploitation factor. Getting with the wrong people and being taken advantage of and not knowing your value or your worth. And so that’s where I think education is it.”

Panelists encouraged everyone, particularly athletes, to think about the longevity of their careers and how to use your platform to expand your money-making abilities and impact. 

Hicks wrapped up the first session by asking panelists to share their final thoughts on social networks and impacts. Tommy Thompson, professional Major League soccer player for the San Jose Earthquakes, had some particularly insightful ideas about authenticity. 

“Whatever it happens to be that you found that you’re passionate about, I’d encourage you to pursue,” said Thompson. 

“At the end of the day, I look back on my career and it wasn’t the goals I scored or the assists I had or the wins I had as a team. It was the human connections that I made with teammates and the people I’d met along the way that stuck with me.”

Assistant News Editor Mel Tenkoff contributed to the reporting for this story. 

Florida’s war on books is a war on knowledge

Lauren Aguirre Medina
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Florida’s war on books is a war on knowledge

The state of Florida has declared war — not on crime, not on corruption, but on books. In an alarming push against intellectual freedom, Florida officials and school boards have banned a growing list of books under the guise of protecting children from so-called harmful content. But let’s call this what it truly is: an attack on knowledge, critical thinking, and the freedom to learn.

Among the books now banned in certain Florida schools are The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, and Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe. These books address issues of race, identity, and social justice — topics that make some people uncomfortable but are crucial for fostering understanding in a diverse society. The argument often made by censors is that these books are inappropriate for young readers, but the real issue is not explicit content; it is the challenge these books pose to a narrow worldview.

The push to ban books in Florida stems from a broader culture war, one that seeks to shield students from historical and social realities under the pretext of “parental rights.” But what about the rights of students to receive a well-rounded education? What about the rights of parents who want their children to engage with literature that challenges, informs, and inspires? 

Let’s be honest — this isn’t really about protecting children. It’s about protecting a particular narrative. When books that center Black voices, queer identities, or traumatic histories are removed from shelves, it reveals an uncomfortable truth: some would rather erase complexity than confront it. These bans don’t make schools safer or more wholesome; they make them more sterile and dishonest. Students deserve better than curated ignorance. They deserve the full, messy, and beautiful spectrum of human experience.

The real danger is not the books themselves, but the suppression of diverse perspectives in education. When schools sanitize their curriculum to fit a specific political agenda, they rob students of the opportunity to think critically and develop their own informed opinions.

Consider The Hate U Give, which explores police violence and racial injustice through the eyes of a Black teenager. The book discusses a difficult subject matter, but it also reflects real-life issues that many young Americans face and should be able to discuss. Banning such a book does not erase these realities —it only keeps students uninformed about them. Similarly, The Bluest Eye, a classic by Nobel laureate Toni Morrison, is frequently challenged because it deals with issues of race, trauma, and self-worth. Yet Morrison’s work is one of the most profound contributions to American literature, and silencing it only stifles meaningful discourse.

Perhaps the most telling example of Florida’s overreach is the banning of Gender Queer, a memoir that explores gender identity. By removing this book from school libraries, censors are sending a clear message to LGBTQ+ youth: Your experiences do not belong in the conversation. This is not about protecting children. It is about erasing narratives that some find inconvenient or unsettling.

Book bans are a hallmark of societies that fear change and progress. From the censorship of Galileo’s writings to the suppression of literature in authoritarian regimes, history has shown that restricting knowledge is a strategy for control, not education. Florida’s actions are no different. In a democracy, education should equip students with the tools to navigate the complexities of the world, not shield them from its realities.

The consequences of this crackdown on books will be felt for generations. A student who is denied access to diverse literature is a student who is denied the ability to empathize with different experiences, question societal norms, and think for themself. The irony of these bans is that they often have the opposite effect: The more a book is labeled as dangerous or inappropriate, the more young people seek it out. This should serve as a wake-up call. Florida’s book bans are not just about controlling what children read; they are about controlling how they think.
We must resist these efforts to sanitize knowledge if we truly value education. Parents, educators, and students must speak out against censorship and demand that schools remain places of intellectual freedom. A war on books is a war on knowledge — and that is a battle we cannot afford to lose.

Why UM students should care about the DOE shutdown

Lauren Aguirre Medina
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Why UM students should care about the DOE shutdown

As students at the University of Miami, we often find ourselves disconnected from the larger political issues shaping higher education. However, one critical issue that could significantly affect our academic lives is the looming shutdown of the Department of Education (DOE). While public schools and universities are often the focus of such discussions, private institutions like UM also stand to face serious consequences. A DOE shutdown wouldn’t just disrupt funding for public schools — it could impact financial aid, research opportunities, and even the diversity initiatives that make UM the vibrant institution it is today.

While it might seem like private universities like UM are insulated from the challenges public universities face when it comes to federal funding, the reality is much different. UM, like many private institutions, receives a substantial amount of federal support. This includes financial aid packages that many of us rely on to afford our tuition, as well as research funding that helps the university maintain its competitive edge in innovation. Without the DOE’s oversight and administration of federal programs, students could find themselves without access to key financial aid programs, such as Pell Grants, federal loans, or work-study opportunities.

For many of us, these federal aid programs are a lifeline. Without them, paying for our education could become even more difficult, especially for students from low-income backgrounds. A shutdown could leave thousands of UM students in a state of uncertainty, unsure if they’ll be able to continue their education or how they will make up the difference in costs. This is not just a theoretical concern — for many, the loss of federal aid would be the difference between staying enrolled at UM and having to drop out or take a semester off.

It’s not just financial aid that would be affected. The DOE also plays a crucial role in accrediting universities and ensuring that they meet federal standards. UM may be a private institution, but we still rely on the DOE for recognition of our degrees, ensuring that our education holds value in the eyes of employers and future academic institutions. Without the DOE’s oversight, the process of accreditation could face delays or confusion, potentially threatening the status and reputation of the degrees we work so hard to earn.

For students involved in research, the impact could be even more direct. UM is known for its research initiatives in fields like marine science, health care, and engineering. These research programs often depend on federal funding from agencies overseen by the DOE. If the department were to shut down, projects could be halted, research faculty could lose funding, and students could see their opportunities for hands-on learning or research assistantships disappear. The loss of these opportunities would not only hurt the university’s standing as a research institution but could also impact our personal academic growth and career prospects.

In addition to financial and academic consequences, a DOE shutdown would also put the diversity and inclusion programs that UM prides itself on at risk. The DOE administers several programs aimed at increasing access to higher education for underrepresented groups, including first-generation college students and those from low-income families. As a diverse university, UM benefits from these initiatives, which help ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the opportunities that higher education provides. A DOE shutdown would disrupt these programs, potentially reducing the number of underrepresented students who can attend UM or thrive once they are here.

It’s easy to think of a government shutdown as an issue that primarily affects other schools, especially public ones. But as students at the University of Miami, we cannot afford to ignore how our lives and futures are connected to the policies that govern higher education across the country. A shutdown of the DOE would send shockwaves throughout the entire educational system, and UM would not be immune.

So, as we continue to enjoy the unique opportunities offered to us at UM, it’s important to recognize the broader systems at play and advocate for the preservation of the Department of Education. Our education, our financial futures, and our institution’s standing all depend on it.

The mental minefield of studying political science in the U.S.

Lauren Aguirre Medina
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The mental minefield of studying political science in the U.S.

For political science students in the United States, 2025 feels like an endurance test. The country remains deeply divided under the presidency of Donald Trump, whose return to the White House has only intensified political tensions. Issues like female reproductive rights, immigration and education have become battlegrounds, making the study of American politics not just an academic pursuit but an emotionally exhausting experience.

One of the biggest stressors is political event’s pace and intensity. The news cycle has evolved from a 24-hour loop to a never-ending deluge of updates. 

In the past few months, Trump has signed executive orders limiting asylum claims and restricting federal funding to schools implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Meanwhile, state-level abortion bans continue to face legal challenges, with cases like the recent Florida Supreme Court ruling upholding a six-week ban drawing national attention. 

Political science students are expected to stay informed, but that task has become overwhelming. Every day brings new executive orders, legal battles over abortion rights, and heated debates over border policies. Trying to keep up can feel like drowning in a sea of breaking news, with no clear way to distinguish the significant from the sensationalized.

Another challenge is seeing American democracy grow weaker and the country feel more unstable. For students who care deeply about how the government works, it’s upsetting to watch trusted systems fall apart right in front of them.

 Trump’s presidency continues to divide voters, with increasing skepticism toward institutions like the Supreme Court and Congress. The overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 set the stage for ongoing legal battles over female reproductive rights, while immigration policies remain a flashpoint, with border enforcement and asylum restrictions fueling national debate. Meanwhile, education policies are under attack, with book bans, curriculum restrictions, and the politicization of school boards creating further division.

Social media, a double-edged sword, adds to the mental strain. On one hand, it provides access to diverse perspectives and real-time discussions; on the other, it fosters outrage, disinformation, and the kind of performative political engagement that makes meaningful discourse feel impossible. For political science students, navigating this space is exhausting. It’s not just about understanding theories of polarization; it’s about experiencing them firsthand, as debates devolve into toxicity and ideological rigidity.

The classroom, traditionally a space for critical discussion, has also become a battleground. Political science students are finding it increasingly difficult to have open, nuanced conversations without fear of backlash. Whether it’s self-censorship out of concern for offending others or the frustration of ideological clashes, the ability to engage in intellectual debates without personal stakes has diminished. The polarization that dominates the real world has seeped into academic spaces, making discourse fraught rather than fulfilling.

Despite these challenges, studying political science in 2025 is not all doom and gloom. If anything, this period offers students an opportunity to engage with politics in a deeply personal and meaningful way. The field is more relevant than ever, and those who persevere can contribute to reshaping the discourse, pushing for more informed debate, and advocating for institutional resilience. Political science students are not just passive observers; they have the tools to be active participants in crafting a more stable political future.

To navigate this difficult time, students must prioritize their mental well-being. Taking breaks from the news, engaging in offline discussions, and finding a support system among peers can help mitigate the exhaustion. Universities should also acknowledge the unique stressors political science students face and provide resources tailored to their needs, whether through mental health support, media literacy programs, or spaces for constructive dialogue.

Yes, 2025 is a tough time to be a political science student in America. But it is also a crucial time. Those studying politics now are being forged in one of the most volatile eras in recent history. If they can weather this storm, they will be uniquely equipped to help shape a more resilient and informed society in the years to come.

Where could the ’Canes land in the NFL Draft?

Ali Campbell
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Where could the ’Canes land in the NFL Draft?

With the NFL Draft just days away on April 24, several players on the current Miami Hurricanes roster could be selected by an NFL team. Here’s a projection of where UM’s potential draftees could end up.

Cam Ward – Round 1, Pick 1: Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans hold the first overall pick, and after two underperforming seasons from previous draft pick Will Levis, they have indicated a need for a quarterback. It is clear they are leaning towards Heisman candidate Cam Ward.  The Texas native separated himself as one of the top signal-callers in the 2025 class during his senior campaign for the Hurricanes, along with his stunning Pro Day performance, with scouts from all 32 NFL franchises present. Ward was a Heisman finalist for the 2024 season, posting 4,313 passing yards with 39 passing touchdowns and only seven interceptions on the season. His performance as a dynamic playmaker led the way for Miami to become the No. 1 offense in the country, and Ward finished the season as a consensus All-American.  

Elijah Arroyo – Round 2, Pick 23: Los Angeles Chargers   

Ranked as the third-best tight end in the 2025 class by ESPN, Elijah Arroyo is a receiving and blocking threat who could immediately make an impact on various NFL teams. The Los Angeles Chargers should be targeting Arroyo, as his combination of size and speed makes him a great potential safety valve for quarterback Justin Herbert. Arroyo was injured during most of his 2022 and 2023 campaigns, but in 2024, he made 13 starts and posted 35 receptions for 590 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

Xavier Restrepo – Round 4, Pick 18: Tennessee Titans

Ranked as the 17th best receiver in the 2025 class, Xavier Restrepo is a versatile athlete who’s proved that he can be effective at the next level. Restrepo emerged as the primary weapon for the Hurricanes in 2023 with a program record of 85 receptions and 1,092 yards. He improved in  2024 after accumulating 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns, leaving ACC secondaries in disarray. That year, he etched his name in the history books as Miami’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards with 200 and 2,844, respectively. Restrepo is a skilled and crafty route runner who can make a significant impact on an NFL team from the slot position. He excels as a receiver who can identify coverages pre-snap and become a hot read for his quarterback, as well as someone who can make tough catches in traffic. Restrepo would be a good fit for the Tennessee Titans, potentially earning a slot position on a team that has outside receiving threats in Calvin Ridley and Treylon Burks. Restrepo’s rapport with Miami teammate Cam Ward could also help, as he is projected to be the quarterback for the Titans this upcoming season.

Damien Martinez – Round 4, Pick 21: Pittsburgh Steelers

As the 12th-best-ranked running back in the 2025 class, Damien Martinez is a power back who can bring strength to any NFL backfield. Martinez is efficient as a north-south runner and can be counted on during short-yardage situations to pick up a first down when it’s needed. He possesses the ability to run between the tackles and can power his way through defenders. Martinez played for the Oregon State Beavers for two seasons before transferring to the Hurricanes in 2024, where he ran for 1,002 yards and nine touchdowns. He also added 16 receptions and 198 more yards through the air. Martinez would be a valuable addition to an NFL backfield that already features an elusive runner. His versatility as a power back makes him a great fit for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After losing power back Najee Harris to the Los Angeles Chargers, the Steelers could benefit from bringing in a tailback like Martinez to pair with their current receiving threat, Jaylen Warren.

Jalen Rivers – Round 4, Pick 35 – Seattle Seahawks

Ranked 10th in his class for offensive guards, Jalen Rivers is a versatile blocking threat who can play several different offensive positions. Rivers possesses a mix of pure power and positional flexibility that draws the attention of NFL scouts. He was a key member of the Hurricanes’ offensive line unit at offensive tackle during his last fully healthy season in 2023, earning second-team All-ACC honors during the season. The Seattle Seahawks should target Rivers, as they have one of the worst-ranked offensive lines in the league. Rivers would be a big addition to open up the pass game for quarterback Sam Darnold and the run game for their tandem of Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III. Rivers’ ability to absorb contact, create movement in the run game, and be an anchor in pass protection makes him a valuable asset for a team in need of an interior lineman.

Tyler Baron, Simeon Barrow Jr., Samuel Brown Jr., and Elijah Alston could also potentially have their names called. Kicker Andres Borregales could also sign with a team after the draft is over as a free agent.

Coming off a season where the program had only one draft pick who wasn’t a seventh-rounder, the ’Canes now have a serious chance at having a player selected in every round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The future of women’s professional basketball begins in Miami with Unrivaled’s inaugural year

Regina Potenza
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The future of women’s professional basketball begins in Miami with Unrivaled’s inaugural year

Miami’s Unrivaled sets the stage for the future of women’s basketball 

Women’s sports, especially basketball, are surging in popularity. In 2024, the women’s NCAA finals outdrew the men’s in viewership. Yet with limited U.S. opportunities, two WNBA stars saw a gap in the U.S. sports industry: last year, about half of the WNBA players joined foreign leagues in the offseason to supplement their income and gain more exposure.

Enter “Unrivaled” – a new, Miami-based league aimed at closing that gap. WNBA 2024 Defensive Player of the Year and Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier co-founded the league alongside two-time WNBA Finals MVP and New York Liberty player Breanna Stewart.

Unrivaled rules and format: a new kind of basketball

The Unrivaled League features a unique 3-on-3 format with six teams, known as “basketball clubs,” each comprising six players: Lunar Owls BC, Vinyl BC, Rose BC, Mist BC, Laces BC and Phantom BC.

A standard basketball court is 94 x 50 feet, while the Unrivaled court is 50 x 43 feet. Each game has four periods—the first three are eight minutes long, shorter than the WNBA’s standard 10-minute quarters. The fourth period uses the Elam Ending, eliminating the game clock and introducing a “target score.” The leading team’s score has 8 points added to it, and the first team to reach that number of points wins the game.

Other basketball competitions have used the Elam Ending, including NBA All-Star games and FIBA 3-on-3 competitions. Unrivaled Laces BC player Kayla McBride, also with the Minnesota Lynx, praised the format.

“So I’m just having fun with that, and I’m super competitive. So just trying to win every game, and I think the Elam Ending is really cool because now you’re playing for us,” McBride said. “You play for a game-winner every game. So I think it just brings out the best competitively in all of us. But as far as my game, like just having more space and being able to have the freedom to create my own shot from the outside but also get to the rim, it’s been a lot of fun.”

Rae Burrell, a forward for Vinyl BC and the Los Angeles Sparks, highlighted the fun of playing in Unrivaled. 

“Just experience this together and knowing that we’re together as a team, whether we’re losing or winning, we’re all on the same page at all times,” Burrell said. “There’s really no point when we’re not on the same page, and it just makes you enjoy it even more, whether we’re losing or winning.”

Focus on player development and wellness

A major advantage for Unrivaled players is the opportunity to hone their skills without the stress of overseas travel while having access to top-tier training facilities and resources. Satou Sabally, a WNBA player for the Phoenix Mercury, called Unrivaled’s amenities a “game-changer,” noting the amenities and support system offer a more sustainable off-season experience. 

“In between games, like people are able to rehab, people are able to use amazing resources that we usually are not provided with during the off-season,” Sabally said. “So that’s a big change. Like you spend a lot of money to stay in shape, but here you actually get paid to do what you’re the best at.” 

Basketball legend Lisa Leslie praised the league for its exceptional support of players. 

“All these moms have places where their children can attend,” Leslie said. “They have a spa where they can get hot and cold treatments. And they also have an institution where they can get facials and then a whole Sephora room, which is lovely. So, when you talk about first class and doing it right, I think Unrivaled has really stepped up to the plate.”

The league also allows players to stay in the United States, reducing the physical and mental strain of playing overseas. 

Sabally, who has played in Turkey during previous off-seasons, believes this will extend players’ careers by providing the resources they need to rest and recover.

“Also, in a sense, taking care of what we need to take care of in the off-season, like that’s big,” Sabally said. “Rather than going to China or going to Turkey, which I love playing in,” Sabally said. “They’re able to stay here and recover their bodies so that they may actually be able to play five years more than previously just because they are given more resources to rest.” 

A new skill set for players

Unrivaled’s 3-on-3 format also develops a different skill set compared to 5-on-5 leagues. The fast-paced, defense-heavy nature of the game forces players to stay engaged on both ends of the court. 

“It’s competitive. They’re playing full speed, full contact, and we are coming down to the wire here, so you can feel the intensity,” Brendan Glasheen, an Unrivaled and WNBA broadcast play-by-play commentator. “And at the end of the day, they’re all competitors, and they want to win. Yeah, I think finding out how they fit into a five-on-five scheme, the beauty of this league and 3-on-3 is you can’t hide anybody offensively [or] defensively.”

Social media growth and player exposure

Thanks to platforms like TikTok, Unrivaled has enjoyed significant exposure, boosting the league’s visibility. Tiffany Hayes, a player for Laces BC and the Golden State Valkyries, emphasized how important social media is for growing the league. 

“I think that a big thing is social media is definitely helping push us,” Hayes said. “I mean, we’ve been on so many channels, I can’t even keep count of so many things.”

Unrivaled gives players a chance to showcase their personalities, which Hayes finds refreshing.

“And it’s not just about basketball, but it’s also showing our personalities and how we are as people too,” Hayes said. “So I think that’s one of the better things that has come out of Unrivaled as well.”

While the social media virality of Unrivaled is an incredible growing opportunity for players’ personal brands as well. Angel Reese, one of the most notable current women’s basketball players, has faced challenges always being in the spotlight. 

Reese talked about being able to work closely with team veterans and how working once a week with Leslie, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time WNBA champion, has changed not only her gameplay but also how she handles the spotlight as the youngest player in Unrivaled. 

“Angel’s just a phenomenal player and person, and I really enjoyed getting to know her even more,” Leslie said. “She is such a hard worker … I just felt like she has so much talent, and it’s like she’s just scratching the surface. And sometimes you can have people or coaches that can help you and tell you things, but a person who’s actually experienced it and gone through it.”

“At 22, it’s hard living this life, but I’m grateful. I’m blessed, and I’m lucky to be around this group,” Reese said. “And being here and Unrivaled has just been the best thing for me.”

Mentorship and pay opportunities

In addition to exposure, Unrivaled offers significant financial incentives. Players earn an average salary of $220,000 for the eight-week season, a 233% increase from the WNBA minimum salary of $66,079. 

There is also a 1-on-1 mid-season tournament with a $350,000 prize pool during the season. Collier, who won the tournament, donated half of her $200,000 prize to her team’s staff. 

Players also received equity stakes in the league, ensuring long-term financial benefits as the league grows.

League results and plans for growth

Out of six teams, the top four qualified for the playoffs: Lunar Owls BC (13-1), Rose BC (8-6), Laces BC (7-7), and Vinyl BC (5-9). Mist BC (5-9) and Phantom BC (4-10) were the two teams that missed the playoffs. In the semifinals, Rose BC defeated Laces BC 63-57, and Vinyl BC pulled off an upset over Lunar Owls BC, winning 73-70. Rose BC won the inaugural Unrivaled Championship, defeating Vinyl BC 62-54.

Looking ahead, Unrivaled is planning to expand in its second season. While Miami will remain the league’s base, there is potential for “tours” in four other non-WNBA cities across the U.S.

“It’s great for women’s basketball, and it’s going to be great for the [WNBA],” Mist BC player and Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot said. Just being able to, you know, use our offseason to sharpen our game, and, I said this before, I wish it happened when I was younger. I would do this every single year. I think it’s going to be really great.”

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