Astrophysics, elevators, and some very important Supreme Court cases in today’s Bwoglines!

Happening in the World: This year’s Nobel physics prize has been awarded to three scientists, one for his discoveries about the origin of the universe, specifically involving the use of cosmic microwave background radiation, and the other two for discovering a new planet, the first to be found orbiting a star like the sun. (BBC)

Happening in the US: Today, the Supreme Court will hear three cases involving discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, focusing on whether or not these kinds of discrimination are covered under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits workplace discrimination based on sex. Should the courts decide Title VII does cover these forms of discrimination, the LGBTQ+ community would receive greater protections at a more local level than before. (NPR)

Happening in NYC: The M.T.A. has pledged $5.5 million to installing new elevators in 70 subway station over the next five years. Currently, only a quarter of subway stops are accessible, a low percentage among major transit systems. Although highly frequented stations have priority, the ultimate goal of this project is for any given passenger to be no further than two stops from an accessible station. (NYT)

Happening on Campus: Columbia professors Helene Foley, Kate Brassel, and Jennifer Rhodes will be giving a lecture on The Bacchae and its politics regarding its adaptations and its place in the classroom. The speakers will be looking into themes of “gender, violence, race, and nationalism,” and the lecture will take place in Diana 504 at 6:30 pm. (event)

A Poem For You: acknowledgements by Danez Smith is maybe the best friendship poem ever and you should read it and cry with your closest pals, as I did when a fellow bwogger showed it to me :’)

Header via Bwog Archives