The student news site of Westwood High School.

Westwood Horizon

The student news site of Westwood High School.

Westwood Horizon

The student news site of Westwood High School.

Westwood Horizon

Opinions

Student loan debt is a burden that affects many students long after graduation. While the Biden administration has been working to forgive student loan debt for millions, more should be done to fix this issue.

Student Debt Cancellation is Necessary For Success

Jia Chun, Reporter April 12, 2024

After university, many college graduates' student loan debt weighs down their chance to fully chase their goals. On average, borrowers, who leave university with around $38,000 in debt, take a lengthy...

The past few years have seen a rise in popularity of the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok. Subsequently, many U.S. lawmakers have expressed concerns over the possible spread of misinformation to wide audiences, as well as worries about American user safety while using TikTok.

Possible TikTok Ban Comes From Xenophobia, Not Caution

Bella Yi, Reporter April 8, 2024

TikTok, a short-form video platform with over a billion monthly active users, was recently the subject of H.R. 7521, a bill passed by the House of Representatives 352 to 65. This bill requires that TikTok’s...

On March 19th, the Supreme Court allowed Senate Bill 4 into effect. However, hours later, a lower court of appeals issued a preliminary injunction, blocking the ruling on basis of unconstitutionality. This event is an opportunity for the U.S. to reflect on the current state of the immigration crisis and rebuild the broken system.

Texas’ SB 4 is Incentive to Reform Immigration

Valerie Zhang, Reporter April 4, 2024

For the past decade, the United States has struggled with immigration and border security. Most notably, Texas, which shares a border with Mexico, has been the source of much debate. But what is not up...

With 14 Grammy wins under her belt and many more sold-out stadiums, Taylor Swift is one of the most popular pop icons ever. While many have varying opinions on Taylor Swift, her sheer influence and impact undebatable.

Taylor Swift: Overhyped or Overhated?

Mahek Sureka and Gabriel Oliveira March 26, 2024

An international sensation, Taylor Swift has impacted millions of lives in more ways than one. She brings joy with her wide range of music, making something for everyone to listen to and love. Whether...

In February, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos created and stored in a medical facility will be considered children in Alabamas Wrongful Death of a Minor Act. An immediately controversial decision, the ruling has a myriad of harmful implications that will negatively affect anyone seeking fertility treatments in Alabama.

Alabama’s Embryo Ruling Will Backfire

Mayla Montgomery, Reporter March 12, 2024

On Feb. 16, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos created and stored in a medical facility must be considered children in the state’s Wrongful Death of a Minor Act. The court’s ruling came after...

First administered on June 23, 1926, the SAT was designed as an intelligence test for high schoolers. The test has gone through many changes throughout its 98 year history, and starting this year, will be completely virtual.

EDITORIAL: The SAT Isn’t Standardized

Editorial Staff March 7, 2024
The SAT, a multiple-choice standardized exam, is far from standardized. Heightening the disparity between socioeconomic classes, race, and in college admissions, the SAT needs to change.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, online standardized testing has become more common for students. The free school-day SAT for Westwood juniors is fully online this year, but it shouldnt be this way.

The SAT Shouldn’t Go Completely Online

Valeria Tijerina, Reporter March 5, 2024

Over the years, online standardized testing has become much more prevalent in schools, both to the dismay and relief of many across the country. State-required assessments, courses’ final exams, and...

After fighting for almost four years, Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion bring more drama to the table, with both rappers releasing diss tracks on each other. While the feud has blown up on social media and has many taking sides, the drama between the two is unnecessary.

Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion’s Drama is Unnecessary

Trinity Osmer, Reporter February 25, 2024

Rappers Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion have been feuding the past few weeks, dissing one another through harsh lyrics and diss tracks. This was especially evident with the release of Megan's single...

Featuring bottles of Cantu hair products, the textured hair care aisle in Target offers options for Black hair. While many strides have been made to provide equality for Black hair, hair discrimination continues to negatively impact Black Americans lives.

It’s Never “Just Hair”: The Reality of Hair Discrimination

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor February 16, 2024

High school junior Darryl George was in tears when he was informed that he would be suspended for violating his school’s dress code. In September of 2023, there was a national uproar when George was...

On Monday, Jan. 29, the Court of Arbitration for Sport disqualified Kamila Valieva from international competition for four years. Removing her points from the Team Event during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics has put the United States in first place and Japan in second place.

Russian Figure Skater Kamila Valieva’s Disqualification is Deserved

Valerie Zhang, Reporter February 16, 2024

In a tragic shift of events, Russian Olympic figure skater Kamila Valieva sobbed as she stepped off the rink after stumbling through the worst Free Skate performance of her career at the 2022 Beijing Winter...

As a result of increased parental outcry, many school boards have postponed or outright canceled changes that might have been controversial.

Parents Have a Right to Speak Out Against School Boards

Gabriel Oliveira, Reporter February 9, 2024

Last August, dissatisfaction with K-12 education in the U.S. peaked at the highest level since first recorded in 1999, according to a Gallup poll. This is no secret and is demonstrated by waves of parents...

Over the past few years, awards shows such as the Oscars have seen a steady decline in viewership. As the film industry continues to evolve and move further into the streaming era, these award shows will need to evolve with the industry to maintain their relevance and prestige.

Award Shows Need to Change with the Times

Mayla Montgomery, Reporter February 9, 2024

The glitz and glamor of Hollywood have enthralled the American public since the beginning of show business. It’s well known--- there’s no business like show business. And one of the main hallmarks...

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