This past weekend, Bordentown City welcomed in the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony! On November 29th, residents gathered in downtown Bordentown City to enjoy a festive night hosted by the Foundation of Bordentown Traditions. The tree is displayed on Farnsworth Avenue and Crosswicks Street, and features ornaments created by different families who live in the town. Before the tree was lit, there were holiday performances from talented students like Marc Daniel Tarriela, Kara Parker, and Atlas Cypress. Following the amazing entertainment by our own high school students, Santa arrived on a firetruck to light the tree! After it was illuminated, Santa made his way to Old City Hall for photo opportunities. After, you were able to view the model train show displayed on Saturday from 2 PM to 8 PM in Old City Hall. The evening was filled with holiday cheer, music, bonding, and much more!

In addition, on December 5th from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, the Downtown Bordentown Association is hosting a Holiday Chocolate Walk. Along Farnsworth Avenue, attendees with a “Chocolate Passport” can enjoy chocolate tastings and live music as they stroll through participating local businesses. The event has a festive atmosphere filled with joy and lots of tasty treats! You can purchase tickets through the official links on the Downtown Bordentown Association’s Facebook page for ten dollars in advance. However, it costs twelve dollars on the day of the event, and they may sell tickets in person, but it is recommended that you purchase in advance. The tickets are non-refundable, rain or shine. You can pick up your passport at the “Chocolate Walk Headquarters”, located at Icon Boutique. Join your family and friends for some sweets and a wonderful time!

Link for the Holiday Chocolate Walk: Holiday Chocolate Walk 

April marks National Autism Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding and fostering acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This annual observance aims to highlight the diverse experiences of individuals with autism and promote inclusive practices within our communities. Historically known as Autism Awareness Month, there has been a significant shift towards emphasizing acceptance over mere awareness. This change underscores the importance of not only recognizing autism but also embracing and valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of autistic individuals. The Autism Society of America advocates for this inclusive approach, encouraging society to move beyond awareness to active acceptance and support (Institute of Living).

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental condition characterized by differences in social interaction, communication, and behavior. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that as of 2023, approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD, highlighting the growing need for supportive resources and inclusive policies (Neurology Advisor). The theme "Celebrate Differences" has been central to Autism Acceptance Month, aiming to honor the diverse abilities and strengths of autistic individuals. Organizations like The Arc emphasize the importance of creating environments where people with autism can thrive as their authentic selves, free from discrimination and misunderstanding (The Arc). Communities play a crucial role in fostering acceptance. Local events, educational programs, and initiatives such as the "Light It Up Blue" campaign by Autism Speaks, which begins on World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, aim to increase visibility and understanding of autism ("World Autism Month").

For those seeking to learn more about autism and ways to support the autistic community, resources like The Autism Acceptance Book by Ellen Sabin offer interactive exercises to promote understanding among children. Additionally, organizations like the Autism Society provide toolkits and guides to facilitate community engagement and education (Dentistry IQ).

National Autism Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of acceptance, inclusion, and celebration of the autistic community. By embracing differences and promoting understanding, society can work towards a more inclusive future where all individuals are valued for their unique contributions.

Works Cited

Institute of Living. "Promoting Acceptance in National Autism Awareness Month." Institute of Living, 21 Apr. 2023, https://instituteofliving.org/health-wellness/news/newsroom-detail?articleid=49158&publicId=469.

"Autism Acceptance Month: The History and Impact." Neurology Advisor, 1 Apr. 2024, https://www.neurologyadvisor.com/news/autism-acceptance-month-history-and-impact/.

The Arc. "Autism Acceptance Month: Celebrate Differences." The Arc, 4 Apr. 2024, https://thearc.org/blog/autism-acceptance-month-celebrate-differences/.

"World Autism Month." Autism Speaks, https://www.autismspeaks.org/world-autism-month.

"April is National Autism Awareness Month: Are You Prepared?" Dentistry IQ, https://www.dentistryiq.com/dental-hygiene/clinical-hygiene/article/16354805/april-is-national-autism-awareness-month-are-you-prepared.

Have you ever heard of the term “leap years"? In simple words, leap years are where every four years, February has one extra day, making it last 29 days instead of the usual 28. This also makes the annual calendar have 366 days instead of the usual 365. February is already an unusual month having 28 days instead of 30 or 31, and they also have 29 whenever a leap year rolls around. You might be thinking, what’s up with that? Isn’t it just a frog’s favorite day of the year, as the joke says? Well, the history of leap years goes way back, in a way that you probably would never expect!

The history of leap years date back to the original creation of the modern-day calendar that we use today. Wait, let’s turn the clock back a little further before that. Starting over, ancient civilizations depended on the cosmos above to guide their decisions. They knew they had to be aware of the time to achieve success for themselves and for anything they did, whether they were nomadic with no home or agricultural and out there working hard. Eventually, this led to the creation of calendars, and the ancient Greeks all determined that 365 days would be the length of a year. However, the Roman Republic, a sea in modern-day Italy, remained divided and upheaved over the creation of calendars and, not only that, but it took them much longer to create them as well. Their calendar had only 355 days and so that put it out of alignment with the Sun and the Earth as it takes the Earth 365 days to orbit around the Sun. The uneven alignment caused a state of concern among people at the time and it was clear something had to be done to address the issue. Eventually, the arrival of Julius Caesar led to his creation of the Julian calendar, eventually becoming the dominant calendar system of the Western world. This lasted for some time, until Catholicism became more predominant in society by the 16th century and Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar we use today, fixing the drifts of time, commonly experienced in the Julian calendar, and struggle with following the addition of extra months to prevent it from going off-balance, even just by the smallest fraction of a day. This provided a more simple and easier calendar system for everybody to use. An algorithm was developed, stating that if a year is divisible by 4, then it is a leap year, but if it is also divisible by 100, then it is not a leap year, but further if it is divisible by 400, then it is a leap year. For example, 2000 was a leap year because it is divisible by 4 and divisible by a 100, but also divisible by 400. This will happen again in 2400.

So to sum it all up and to provide some easy reading, leap years were created due to the confusion regarding the creation of calendars. Calendars were not perfect and always had the drift that would put it off-balance, and something had to be done, right? So next time you think of a leap year, don’t think of it just as an extra day of the year that occurs every four years, understand the real history behind it! Don’t worry if your birthday is on February 29, you will still age every year! That just gives you bragging rights for having such a rare birthday!

Bibliography 

“Origins of Leap Year.” College of Arts and Sciences, https://cas.wsu.edu/2020/02/25/origins-of-leap-year/. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025

Plait, Phil. “Leap Days Explained!” Slate, 29 Feb. 2016. slate.com, https://slate.com/technology/2016/02/the-math-behind-leap-years.html 

Forty-six percent of college students have reported experiencing depression so severe that they cannot function, yet the college mental health crisis is still overlooked by everyday Americans. While the financial struggles of low-income students are discussed by college administrators and politicians, the mental challenges encountered by these students are commonly neglected.  Low-income students face inequality when trying to pursue their dreams as they struggle to combat financial and mental health pressures.

The cost of college tuition has skyrocketed, with student loan debt rising 2,807% since 1970, and tuition growing 747.8% since 1963, far outpacing inflation. Nicole Goodkind, an economist, further explains the cost is due to skilled professors demanding raises and bonuses each year, while other industries offset these costs through AI and robotics. As a result, families today are confronting a far greater financial challenge than previous generations.

Marshall Anthony Jr., Ph.D, a higher education research analyst explains that to manage the cost in New Jersey, low-income students are expected to work over 29 hours per week, while in New York, they must work 40 hours a week (4). The study is compelling, revealing how low-income students must sacrifice valuable time to cover basic costs that high-income families have no trouble paying.

The financial aid process is also a major barrier for low-income students. Doctor of Education, Michelle Preston Tucker, states low-income students struggle not due to a lack of eligibility, but with the extremely rigorous application process that poses questions that are hard to answer without the support of two highly educated parents (1). Without adequate financial assistance, students must sacrifice abundant time away from their academic, and social life to bridge the gap. Financial aid is essential as it keeps a diverse amount of students enrolled in school and on the path to achieve their dreams.

Angelo Giordano, a 2014 low-income college student's experience reflects the harsh reality: “The greatest challenge [throughout college] that I faced was the overwhelming feelings that flooded my mind, making it hard for me to even remember to eat.” For students like Angelo, the weight of financial pressure is not just a challenge, but an all-consuming force that affects their ability to meet the most basic needs. 

Tim Bono, a doctor and professor who delves in mental health, explains the societal expectations of graduating high school, earning a college degree (which may result in debt), and obtaining a sustainable job afterward, is resulting in the mental health crisis. The pressure to meet societal standards and walk down the "easy" path to success causes those who inevitably fall short to be left in a vicious cycle. Bono further explains that “66% of  [college] students reported feeling overwhelming anxiety and 46% reported they were so depressed they could not function.” Mental health experts are beginning to surface the mental health crisis that students are fighting. However, the urgent issue remains largely invisible to everyday Americans. 

 The growing financial commitment to mental health services in college shows just how critical the issue is for academic success. Yet, several parents, professors, and educational professionals oppose these initiatives, arguing it is compromising educational funds. However, if students are unable to engage with the material due to mental health challenges, the very purpose of education becomes unattainable. Mental health plays a crucial role in academic success, and by investing in mental health services, colleges fulfill their responsibility to provide a conducive learning environment where students can thrive. Addressing mental health is not just about students' well-being, but an essential step in creating an equitable learning environment that allows every student an equal opportunity to succeed.

Therefore, it’s important that everyday Americans raise awareness by advocating for mental health resources and volunteering with financial aid programs, driving change toward equal opportunities for all students to succeed. If students from diverse backgrounds play a vital role in sustaining the economy, it is essential that Americans ensure they have equal access to affordable education and the opportunities needed to succeed.

Bibliography

Andrew H. Nicholas, Marshall, Anthony, and Oliver J. Schak. “How Affordable Are Public Colleges for Low-Income Students?” ERIC Institutions of Education Sciences, The Education Trust, December 2019, https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED626436.pdf. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Bono, Tim. “How Can We Solve the College Student Mental Health Crisis?” YouTube, YouTube, 11 May 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEtNxNW0bRU.  

Giordano, Angelo. Personal interview. 23 October 2024.

Goodkind, Nicole. "Why College Is Getting More Expensive." CNN Wire Service, 16 July 2023. ProQuest; SIRS Issues Researcher, https://explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2843919664?accountid=68135 

Tucker, Michelle Preston. “Social and Academic Challenges That Low-Income, High-Achieving Students Face in Higher Education: A Qualitative Case Study.” Proquest, Northcentral University ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, 2022, www.proquest.com/docview/2785989206?sourcetype=Dissertations%20&%20Theses.   

Recently there have been many claims about people’s attention spans decreasing. A study from Microsoft has shown that from 2000 to 2015, the average attention span of a person has decreased by about 25% (from 12 seconds to 8.25 seconds). In fact, as I am writing this article, I am listening to my playlist, have clicked off to ask a friend a favor, and even checked my phone a couple of times. Older generations like to blame the decline in attention on “those darn phones”, but is that really the whole story? And is it just kids and teens being affected or are deteriorating attention spans something that knows no bounds?

When I imagine shorter attention spans, the first thing that comes to mind is those TikToks that have someone talking but are dueted with either Subway Surfers gameplay or “satisfying” content to keep you engaged. While TikTok seems to be a prime suspect in the case of decreasing attention spans --- especially with its short videos that typically last around 35 seconds --- it is not the sole cause. Much of people’s inability to focus comes more so from the internet’s ability to distract and people’s inability to practice self-discipline. In other words, because so much content is constantly being put out for the public to consume, people become disinterested and we desire “newness” which results in constantly switching between tasks or topics. This is called “content shock”, a term coined by Michael Schaefer, and as a result, if you want to stay relevant in the online space as a business or a content creator, you must adapt your strategy to engage and capture new customers. 

Another contributor to our decreasing attention spans has surprisingly been multitasking. Most people love to multitask, claiming that it helps them  get more stuff done in a shorter amount of time. However, research has shown that this commonly held belief is predominately untrue. While it is true that you can most likely listen to music and walk or chew gum and read, research demonstrates that, except for a very select few, most people cannot focus on two tasks that require effort at the same time. What most people consider to be multitasking is actually just switching your attention really fast between multiple different tasks or activities. This can be counterproductive as each time you switch from one task to the next, you incur a “switch cost”: everytime you switch to a different activity you have to reorient yourself to work for that specific activity. According to Gloria Mark, a professor in the Department of Informatics at the University of California, it takes about 25 minutes to completely refocus on a task. Furthermore, Mark found that it takes around 10 ½ minutes before being interrupted -- either internally or by someone else -- while doing any one task. Moreover, after switching to another task, Mark says that, on average, we will continue on to switch to three more tasks before coming back to our original work. 

Emails are a specific case of how harmful multitasking can be to workers. On average, people check their emails 77 times a day. Especially after the pandemic where there has been an increase in remote workers, people feel the need to “prove” they are working and so they check their emails more often than need be. However, this is also part of a larger issue where people are having trouble separating their work life from their home life. Attempts to combat this have been implemented in places like France, Ireland, and Canada (specifically Ontario). These policies, known as “Right to Disconnect Laws”, state that no worker can be penalized if they do not answer electronic communications outside of work hours. Taking a break from work (or school) allows people to come back to their jobs with a fresh set of eyes and more energy. Without a real break, people can start to feel exhausted and take more time to work on simple tasks.

Furthermore, the importance of sleep cannot be emphasized enough. In the case of students, many hold the belief that “5 more minutes” of studying will be more beneficial than sleep. In reality, the opposite is true. Sleep really is crucial to the inner workings of your brain. Returning to the idea of shortened attention spans, sleep deprivation can result in a struggle to focus and thus, sleep deprived people will opt for less focus-intensive tasks such as scrolling through social media over something that requires more effort.

Now you may be wondering, is it possible to train yourself to focus? Scientists certainly believe so. One way to promote working and delayed gratification is to block social media apps or websites. By doing so, you will be forced to work on what needs to get done rather than opt for something easier to do. The downtime feature on the iPhone can help to block a number of apps for a specific number of hours and can even be scheduled so that you can get done what needs to get done. Additionally, while working, studying, etc. it is important to take breaks. While this may seem counterintuitive, breaks can actually help you to avoid getting fatigued while completing a task. The optimum time to schedule breaks, according to Gloria Mark, is at a “natural breaking point”: for instance, if you are writing a book and want to know when to take a break, it would be best to do so after finishing a chapter or a paragraph. If you were to take a break in the middle of a sentence, for example, it could be harder to remember what you were thinking about once you get back to the task. Even the type of break you take can be helpful in training your focus: you could meditate, do yoga, go on a walk, tidy up, run a quick errand, etc. Lastly, getting enough sleep is crucial to having a focused mind. Without the proper 8 hours of sleep, you start to gather what is known as “sleep debt”. The more sleep debt you have, the harder it is to focus.

All in all, while technology may be one of the causes of shortened attention spans, it is more important to focus on how to adapt and use the internet to our advantage while avoiding the negative effects. 

On April 10th, a strike sparked at Rutgers University, and ended after about 9 days, in which 3 different unions across the University, such as AAUP (American Association of University Professors) participated in the halt. Members fought for a new contract as a result of disagreements between the unions and the university officials, such as unset payments for students, unfair wages for staff and professors, and even job security. Ms. Ling, a graduate student from the University’s Arts and Sciences program, depicts what she’s witnessed with students around the school, stating “A lot of the grads that I know here are on food stamps” she reported. “A lot of grads I know have secret part-time jobs they don’t report to the university because they have to — they have families, they have responsibilities.” Ling speaks about a common issue for many students, where they often attempt to have side-jobs that they hold from the university, as it may reduce their financial aid. Furthermore, many university officials explained that their intent was never to hold back students’ ability to graduate on time, however, the strike did allow for classes to be canceled and for professors to go home. “Our students’ ability to complete their coursework and earn their degrees is the university’s highest priority”, according to the school’s statement. Despite possible academic interruptions, the strike was widely advocated for, where 94 percent of the union’s members voted in favor of it. The strike finally concluded after the officials announced they had reached a “framework” for their new contract. This contract is said to modify salaries of graduate students and lecturers, and increase job security. Regardless of what problems some students or staff may have had in regards to a strike, it seems as if the University will become a better place for everyone. 

Passover - First full moon of the Hebrew calendar

Passover is a celebration of freedom, and commemorates the Israelites transition from slavery to freedom. Seder is the main ritual, and occurs on the first two nights of Passover. It is a festive meal that re-tells the Exodus through stories and songs. During Passover, the main practice is a dietary change, where Jewish people will not eat hametz, or foods with leaven. Psalms called Hallal are recited both day and night. Passover also commences a 49-day period called Omer which retells the count between offerings between the temple in Jerusalem.

Ramadan - The ninth month of the Muslim calendar, it begins and ends with a crescent moon

Ramadan is the holy month of fasting, where Muslims will refrain from eating between dawn and dusk. Because the Muslim calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan can occur at any time of the year. Ramadan is a period of introspection, communal prayer in the mosque, and reading of the Qur’an. It is a period of time to practice self-restraint, which is one of the pillars of Islam. While this does mean fasting from dawn to dusk, Ramadan also includes refraining from drink, sexual activity, and all other forms of immoral behavior, including impure and unkind thoughts, actions, and words.

Christian Easter - Sunday after the first full moon following the Spring Equinox

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus on the third day of his crucifixion. Easter represents the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament, and it also celebrates the defeat of death and the hope of salvation. The custom of decorating eggs was first recorded in the 13th century. Chickens were laying eggs during Holy Week, a week where Christians are not allowed to eat eggs, and in order to specifically identify the eggs laid during that week, the eggs were decorated. The eggs then became a symbol of Resurrection, with the egg symbolizing new life emerging from the eggshell.

Pagan Easter (Eostre) - Sunday after the first full moon following the Spring Equinox

The date of Eostre, as well as Easter, changes yearly due to a Pagan solar calendar, where the two holidays follow the Spring Equinox and the first full moon after the equinox. The Eostre rabbit celebrates the fertility of springtime, and the blossoming that is happening in the Earth around us, as well as all of the animals. Pagan Anglo-Saxons held festivals in honor of Eostre, the Germanic goddess of dawn. 

Eid al-Fitr - Follows Ramadan

Eid al-Fitr is “the Festival of Breaking the Fast”. This holiday starts by performing a special prayer in a mosque. After the prayer service, a lot of the mosques host festivals and carnivals with food, games, and rides for the children, along with bazaars and other vendors. Some Muslims, along with paying the zakat al-Fitr, a required and unique alms tax for the needy on Eid, will go out and perform acts of charity. Eid al-Fitr is also a time to visit family and friends, with many Muslims celebrating with family for several days after. 

Beltane - Starts the night before May 1st

Beltane is a Celtic holiday, and it celebrates the beginning of summer, and lands between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice, as well as being a celebration of life. The holiday was first mentioned in a glossary written by someone who died in 908, contributing to Paganistic holidays and their long history. Beltane is a way for Pagans to celebrate the Earth, and for Gaelic Celts, Beltane was a fire festival celebrating the beginning of summer.

Recently, individuals all over social media have been posting in opposition of the Willow Project. #StopWillow and #StopTheWillowProject has been the hashtag of millions of posts within the past couple of weeks.  So you might be wondering, what exactly is the Willow Project, and why does it have so many people enraged? For background, Alaska is one of the many states within our country that produces oil, which is a massive money-maker for the nation. Specifically, Alaska’s North Slope in the National Petroleum Reserve, owned by the federal government, is projected to contain millions of barrels of oil. ConocoPhillips, one of the largest petroleum refinery companies, plans to drill into the Alaska North Slope to extract the oil.

Over the past couple of decades, climate change has become one of the most pressing issues affecting our society, and implementing the Willow Project, will only worsen the it. The average temperature in Alaska has increased by 3 degrees in the last 60 years and as a consequence of the project it is predicted that the temperatures could rise up to 12 degrees by the end of the century. This is a problem because the rise in temperature is causing permafrost to thaw. This may lead to  animals and individuals in the area getting sick because when permafrost thaws it releases ancient bacteria and viruses into the ice and soil. Carrying out the Willow Project will only lead to irreversible damage to the environment. Not to mention, it will forever change the home to hundreds of animals, like polar bears and migratory birds. The amount of greenhouse gasses that will be emitted into the atmosphere is also predicted to increase the temperatures and hurt the wildlife in the area. 

On March 13, 2023 President Biden and his administration approved of the project, which has led to outrage from environmental groups who have been advocating for the eradication of the Willow Project since it was announced. The approval for this project is a massive step back for climate change initiatives. Hopefully, the future holds more promising changes to decrease global warming but if we keep going the way that we are, our Earth will only continue to crumble. 

Whether it was the brilliant Gladys West who invented the GPS, or the iconic Serena Williams who set historical records for an international sport, or any woman who you consider to be influential in your life, today is the day to honor them. March 8th is international women's day, where women all around the world are celebrated for their achievements, no matter national, ethnic, cultural, or political differences. In recognizing influential women, it is important to consider those who allowed us to celebrate today as an annual holiday, and how their success came to be. 

The idea of IWD began in the 1900’s, when around 15,000 women in New York City marched around, demanding equal rights for women, such as equal play, voting rights, and equal working conditions. This insistence for equality was also evident in Europe, where Clara Zetkin, a German delegate, proposed the idea of an International Women’s Day. After 100 delegates came together, the first legitimate International Women’s Day occurred on March 9, 1911 in Austria, Germany, Denmark, and Switzerland. Soon enough, the United Nations established the holiday and agreed that it would be on March 8th every year. 

Today, we acknowledge the efforts of women across the globe who have allowed us to do the things we consider normal, like buy a house, vote, or sit in a classroom. The BRHS Highlander wants women everywhere, especially here at BRHS, to know that they are supported in all of their endeavors, and we encourage you to reciprocate this energy not just today, but everyday. 

Every year on February 14th, people around the world celebrate a holiday of love. Most people either love the holiday or they hate it; some view it as a way for companies to capitalize on people’s gratitude for friends and family, others see it as a reminder of their failed love lives, and still, others take the day to spend time not only with their significant other, but with their friends and family as well. Despite how well known Valentine's Day is, not many people know the origins of this rose-filled day.

While the true origins of Valentine’s Day are vague at best, there are a couple of prevailing theories as to where, when, and how Valentine’s Day started. The first theory traces the start of Valentine’s Day all the way back to Ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia. The festival was held in the middle of February and was dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and was used as a way to celebrate the coming of Spring and the founders of Rome: Romulus and Remus. During the festival there was a “pairing off” of women with men via a lottery and these pairings usually lasted for life. However, as Christianity started to gain popularity, Lupercalia was deemed “un-Christian” by Pope Gelasius towards the end of the 5th century and was consequently outlawed. Around the same time, it is thought that the Pope declared February 14th St. Valentine’s Day, but the holiday’s association with love did not come about until around the 14th century.

Another theory regarding Valentine’s Day originated in France and England. During the Middle Ages, it was widely believed that the mating season of birds began on February 14th which contributed to the holiday’s association with love. An English poet by the name of George Chaucer wrote a poem in the year 1375 titled “Parliament of Foules” which is credited with being the first time the holiday was officially celebrated as a day of romance. Furthermore, the written aspect of Valentine’s Day -- “valentines” -- only started to appear in the 1500s, while the first commercially Valentine’s Day cards were printed in the mid-1800s in the United States. The oldest known valentine dates back to the year 1415 and was a poem by the Duke of Orleans for his wife. A couple years later it is said that King Henry V also hired poets to write a valentine for his wife Catherine.

A majority of the other theories regard martyred Catholic saints. The first saint attributed to Valentine’s Day is a priest who lived in the 3rd century Rome. Emperor Claudius II Gothicus outlawed marriage as he believed single men made better soldiers than married men. Valentine was furious at this unjust law and married young people in secret, however, when he was caught, the emperor put Valentine to death. Another account of Valentine’s life claims he was beheaded for trying to free Christians from Roman prisons. While imprisoned, Valentine befriended the daughter of his jailor and cured her from blindness. He sent her a letter signed “from your Valentine” before his execution which could also explain the “valentines” that are now a staple of the holiday. A second saint named St. Valentine of Terni, a bishop, could also be the holiday’s namesake although there was not much information on him. Even so, some historians claim that both of these saints were actually the same person.

While we may never figure out the definitive origin of Valentine’s Day, you can still take the time each year on February 14th to show gratitude for your significant other (if you have one), friends, and family. This doesn’t have to be in the form of a gift either; it could be a card, breakfast in bed, or a simple gift basket. The important thing is that you show your appreciation for the people in your life.

September 13, 2022, was the start of one of the most serious threats to Iranian authorities in decades. The arrest of a 22 year old woman by the name of Mahsa Amini in Iran led to a surge of protests within the country regarding women’s rights. Ms. Amini died while in police custody after being beaten with a baton. Although the Morality Police (a part of Iran’s law enforcement that enforce wearing a hijab as well as other restrictions regarding expression and dress code) claim that Ms. Amini suffered a heart attack, her family argue that that is not the case. 

Just days after Amini’s funeral, the first protests had already taken place in the city of Saqquez. Women ripped off their headscarves and blocked streets in order to show their solidarity. Protests have been going on for 10 consecutive days (as of September 26th). As protests spread, demonstrations have become more extravagant. Women in Iran are now setting fire to their headscarves and cutting their hair in public, both of which are strictly forbidden by the Morality Police. Streets are riddled with chants like “women, life, freedom” and “death to the dictator” (referencing Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenai). Current demonstrations are not the only times that women have protested the hijab in Iran before. However, the difference between those protests and the ones we are hearing about today is earlier protests were isolated and quickly squashed by the government. After the death of Mahsa Amini however, the country rallied together in hopes of changing the oppressive regime of Iran.

It is also important to note that women are not the only ones protesting. Both men and boys are showing their support. Even schoolgirls are going out and protesting in the playgrounds and in streets. 

Furthermore, protests have spread internationally. There have been crowds gathering in many major cities throughout the world, most notably: Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Berlin. Thousands of people, including men and women of all ages, gathered in Washington D.C. wearing the colors of the Iranian flag (white, green, and red) and chanted. They marched from the U.S. National Mall all the way to the White House while shouting: “Be scared! Be scared! We are one in this!” or “Say her name! Mahsa!”

Additionally, the public in the city of Los Angeles, which has the biggest population of Iranians outside of Iran, formed a slow moving march on a closed-off downtown street. During this protest, people were waving Iranian flags. Not only was the procession protesting in support of women’s rights within the nation, but also as a way to tell the Iranian government that they want a change in power; someone who will let the public express themselves how they want to. The last time the world saw protests of this caliber happening in Iran was in 2009 over a faulty election dubbed the “Green Movement Protests”. The green movement, also known as the Arab Spring, began in Tunisia after a young man lit himself on fire. The protests called for more democratic governments and ultimately there were regime and leadership changes.

Nevertheless, Iranian protesters have adopted an unofficial anthem titled: “Baraye”, which means “because of” in Persian. The song, initially published on an instagram story by Shervin Hajipour is about the protests raging across the nation. The artist goes into lots of detail while describing what is going on in Iran, as well as what people are experiencing as a result of these protests and what they are protesting for. He goes as far as to even include some of the chants made by activists. Although, not long after posting the song, Mr. Hajipour was arrested by Iranian police. 

In response to mass demonstrations, the security forces throughout the nation have tried to break up gatherings with guns and tear gas. According to Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based group, there have been at least 201 people, including 23 children, that were killed by security forces during demonstrations. 

The mass demonstrations in Iran have led many Western countries to impose sanctions on Iran.  The United States specifically has imposed sanctions on Iran’s Morality Police and some senior security officials. The aim of these sanctions is to deter more people from joining the Morality Police as not everyone joins because they agree with its ideology. Some people join in order to support and feed their families. Others are forced into joining because they need to serve their mandatory military service. However, not all people believe that these sanctions will force the regime to change its behavior. 

As more protests spread throughout Iran and the rest of the world, it is important to lend support to the women in Iran who want more autonomy over their right to express themselves. There are constantly new developments so it is important to stay informed with credible news sources like the BBC, CNN, NPR, etc. To add on, signing petitions and donating to different human rights groups would also be a great way to show support for Iranian protesters. 

Petitions:

• Speak up against killing Iranian Women 

  • This petition urges leaders of democratic nations to do more on the situation

• Maintain sanctions and introduce visa ban on people linked to Iranian regime 

Places to donate:

• United for Iran

  • Donating to United for Iran helps to build apps that will allow Iranian women to avoid the morality police, advocate for their legal rights, and so on. Additionally, your donation could help to free imprisoned protestors.

• Center for Human Rights in Iran

• Amnesty International Appeal

  • Your donation would help to fund an ongoing investigation into the events in Iran.

Abdorrahman Boroumand Center