After a year of finding scoops, reporting on important stories, and keeping stakeholders accountable, the news section for the 2019-20 academic year has come to an end.
In light of some big events that have recently taken place, other important stories may have gotten lost in the shuffle. So, to shine a light on some of this year’s most important issues, here are the top five editor’s picks for news articles this year.
Scroll through to reread some of the highlights of the section, and stay tuned for some fun surprises at the end. We could all use a laugh right now.
1. Students show solidarity at Wet’suwet’en walkout by Isabel Harder
Carleton students, faculty members, and community activists walked out of class as part of a national student walkout in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en First Nations, braving the cold and wind during the hour-long walkout.
The sources said it best: “We’re willing to cooperate with governments and officials and help Canada out, but you can’t take advantage of us.” — Sagaki Armitage-Smith, Carleton student with roots in both Kitigan Zibi and Ganawake communities
2. Carleton panel shatters sex work misinformation by Marieta-rita Osezua and Olivia Little
Expert panellists came together to highlight the differences between sex work and human trafficking at panel discussion at Carleton University on March 11. The event was organized by students in a community engagement class to raise funds for the Willow Women’s Centre in Vanier—an organization that provides a safe space and harm reduction services for women who do street-level sex work in Ottawa.
The sources said it best: “You feel the shame, you feel the stigma, and you need to keep pushing it down to survive each day.” —Jennifer, Willow Women’s Centre co-facilitator and former exotic dancer
3. Carleton says goodbye to a good boy by Mark Colley
Blue, Carleton University’s first therapy dog who trailblazed the program in 2016, passed away in January. Shannon Noonan adopted Blue, a Great Dane-Pointer mix, from the Ottawa Dog Rescue when he was two. While he was named for his one blue eye, Noonan wrote the name also fits his personality.
The sources said it best: “He had such a calm demeanour about him,” Shannon Noonan wrote. “[It’s] moving and comforting to see the beautiful comments and stories people are sharing.”
4. Coronavirus misinformation leaves students at Carleton fearing discrimination by Lahari Nanda
The misinformation surrounding the spread of the novel-coronavirus has had consequences in Carleton’s community. Kate Schellenberg, a master’s of journalism student at Carleton, said she worries her brother and sister-in-law—who are currently in China—will not be welcomed in Canada as a result of these misconceptions.
The sources said it best: “We must continue to support each other—and in particular all members of the Chinese community— with respect and care.” —Benoit-Antoine Bacon, Carleton University president
5. Carleton creating ‘a cloak of invisibility’ for Canadian military by Jordan Haworth
A research team led by Carleton received $1.5 million from the Department of National Defence to create the first electronic camouflage. Over the next three years, Carleton University will be working in collaboration with the University of Ottawa and Polytechnique Montréal, but also in competition, in the hopes of discovering technology which will go on to be manufactured.
The sources said it best: “Whether we are successful or not does not matter, this is the first time we are going to do this and that is exciting.” — Sreeraman Rajan, Carleton University engineering professor.
News imitates memes
If life imitates art, then news definitely imitates memes.
Throughout our year of coverage, we have constantly been reminded of our favourite funny images. So, in an effort to spread some laughs amid COVID-19, we are sharing our best jokes with you. Enjoy!
Featured infographic by Jillian Piper.
