To our readers:
The Hawk, along with many news outlets across the world, has reported stories about the coronavirus pandemic and the pandemic of systemic racism that America began reckoning with after millions across the country marched in the streets demanding justice for George Floyd, a Black man killed by Minneapolis police in May this year.
The Hawk also reported on the race up to the 2020 presidential election, which was greatly influenced by coronavirus restrictions. The last four years of the current incumbent of the White House has been tumultuous, with unprecedented attacks on journalists and the media in general.
America is more divided than ever. Approximately 76 million votes were tallied for now President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Approximately 71 million votes were tallied for U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence. Mail-in votes are still being counted.
The election has been decided, but the nation remains divided, even in our university community. Now, more than ever, difficult conversations about racial injustice, economic inequality and a more comprehensive response to the ongoing pandemic must continue. These conversations must also result in concrete actions. The Hawk will continue to report on these important issues, so that we may continue to facilitate conversations within our campus community. We will continue to do so with fact-based reporting, without fear and without favor. We will continue to report on stories about racism and about the pandemic. We know that Black, brown and Indigenous communities have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus.
Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine reported that our state is beginning to see the highest coronavirus rates since the pandemic began eight months ago– and we are anticipating a winter peak. In about two weeks, we will return home for Thanksgiving break. We must be very mindful of the health and safety of our families and our communities. We must take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our community members on campus, especially given the recent spike in cases at St. Joe’s.
Colleges and universities in the U.S. continue to be hotspots for the coronavirus. The New York Times college and university coronavirus data reports over 252,000 cases and at least 80 deaths in over 1,600 colleges across the U.S. since the pandemic began. Most of the reported deaths, according to The Times data, were in the spring, and involved college employees, not students.
Young people came out in record numbers to vote in this election, but these same young people could also spread the coronavirus as they return home for Thanksgiving break. Our job did not end at the ballot box. Our job is to keep physical distancing and to keep wearing our masks.
It’s great that we’ve made it this far, but the two most important weeks of the semester are still to come. Let’s try to be safe. Take care of yourself and show care for others.
Part of The Hawk’s mission is to be a platform to elevate diverse voices. Please continue to share your experiences and thoughts with us during this election year. You can DM us on Twitter or Instagram (@sjuhawknews). If you prefer email, write us a letter at [email protected].
-Jackie Collins ’21, Editor in Chief & Ryan Mulligan ’21, Managing Editor
