Social Security reform will not be included in President Obama’s proposal to cut the national deficit by $3 trillion over the next decade, the White House confirmed last week. Obama, who had previously proposed a $250 one-time payment to seniors through the Recovery Act to strengthen Social Security, said in a speech on Sept. 19 his plan to reduce national debt will focus on taxing high-income earners and corporations. Those who first received Social Security benefited most from the program… Read more

In a world of websites such as Stumble Upon and Tumblr that encourage fast-paced readership, it is always refreshing to see young authors dedicated to creating a fully developed collection of literature. “Planet Theory” is CSUN communications student Kenyatta Gilliam’s first book. The self-published poetry collection is a compilation of pieces inspired by Gilliam’s experiences as a CSUN student and downtown Los Angeles bartender. The poems in “Planet Theory” have a loose chronological arc, beginning with Gilliam’s move from his… Read more

Stereotypes, misconceptions and tensions between communities were cited as reasons for CSUN developing a Middle Eastern and Islamic studies minor in the spring of 2012, according to experts involved. “There is a misunderstanding about Muslims in general, and a fear that some call ‘Islamophobia,’” said Dr. Nayereh Tohidi, director of the Middle Eastern and Islamic studies (MEIS) initiative.  “Which makes people nervous about allowing Muslim immigrants into the United States.” The program has been in development for several years, its… Read more

Last week, the American Civil Liberties Union turned down the appeal of former Florida substitute teacher Shawn Loftis, whose teaching certification was revoked in April after his gay porn past was revealed. Loftis, who performed under the stage name Collin O’Neal, believes that had he been a heterosexual porn actor, administrative efforts would have been different. Still, the ACLU denied Loftis’ claim, telling him that his case would have been stronger had his job not involved supervising children. Was the… Read more