After one of the most defining moments in our lives, GW students returned to classes as scheduled Wednesday morning. In one sense, this may be the University’s way of promoting patriotic and academic perseverance, but I perceive maintaining classes throughout Wednesday as a slap in the face to all students. Are we to assume that the University cannot spare any more class days considering the scheduled shutdown due to International Monetary Fund and World Bank conferences?

Remaining open the day after an event such as the terrorist attacks sends a signal to all students that we should be more concerned with chemistry labs and oral presentations rather than with the mourning the remainder of the nation is undergoing. For those whose families were affected Tuesday, they are perpetually aware that GW is not willing to sympathize, that J Street takes precedence over personal struggles and emotional collapse. Although the majority of us come from other states and nations, this matter has become part of us all.

-Sara Ortega
junior