Ethan Lee ‘22, Staff Writer

In the wake of all the rights movements, we have taken a step backward. Men are no longer equal at Newark Academy. Before you lecture me on my toxic masculinity, hear me out. Whether it’s in attire or athletics, men have been marginalized.

This country was founded upon the principles of freedom, liberty, and justice, with countless people fighting and dying in the process to preserve them. To go against these values would be a sin. So what if I wear non-Bermuda length (booty) shorts to my biology lab; who are you to tell me I can’t? How about leggings? I am a proud boy, soon to be man, and I won’t stand for this.

Not only have men been discriminated against in the clothes we wear, but discrimination continues to persist in athletics, an integral aspect of the human experience. Men have been limited to fundamentally masculine sports and have been unable to broaden their scope of athletics. Where is the male representation in volleyball? Or field hockey? Change must come. Even further, how about softball? How can a game so simple as hitting a ball with a bat be limited to women only? As a society, we must come together and fix these injustices. Newark Academy must adapt to this cultural movement and add a male volleyball and field hockey team. These changes, while radical, are a must and would be a great next step in having equality for all in our ever-changing society.

George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, or Danny Devito; men like them cemented the definition of what it meant to be an American. We’ve spent years trying to make society equal for all and continue the legacy of our great founders. Alas, it is hard to see society backtrack in the progress we’ve already made. There still is hope though. However, it must come quickly in order to ensure the safety and rights of all men out there. Newark Academy must promptly act in adopting these social changes. I fully expect these changes in attire and athletics to be implemented tomorrow before lunch.