University of Maryland President William Pines announced this weekend that only university-sponsored activities “that promote reflection” will be held on October 7th.

The day will mark one year since Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel killed around 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages. Israel retaliated, declaring war on Hamas, which has resulted in more than 40,000 people dead, according to Gaza health officials.

This came after the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) group had reserved the McKeldin Mall and Jewish organizations on campus had reserved Hornbake Plaza on October 7th to mark the day.

The announcement cancels both of these events.

“Jointly, out of an abundance of caution,” wrote Pines in an email to the campus community, “we concluded to host only university-sponsored events that promote reflection on this day. All other expressive events will be held prior to October 7, and then resume on October 8 in accordance with time, place and manner considerations of the First Amendment.”

This policy is in place for all University System of Maryland Schools.

SJP wrote in a statement on its Instagram account: “We as Students for Justice in Palestine are deeply angered, though not surprised, by the University of Maryland administration’s decision to cancel our reservation for a vigil at McKeldin Mall on October 7th.”

It continues, “Rest assured that we will find ways to mark this one year of genocide and one year of resistance.”

University of Maryland students worried about antisemitism on campus

The Jewish Student Union also posted a statement to its Instagram account.

“We are reassured to learn that Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Maryland will no longer be permitted to host their event on McKeldin Mall, or anywhere on campus, on October 7th,” the organization writes.

“Only university-sponsored events will occur on October 7th,” they continued. “While this is not an ideal situation, it ensures that our physical and psychological safety is protected on this day of grief.”

In the email from Pines, he noted that a safety assessment had been done and that there was “no immediate or active threat.”

The Jewish Student Union added that they would be holding an event to memorialize the day at Maryland Hillel, a center for Jewish life and students, which is located just off campus.

The UMD Chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace also released a statement standing with SJP “in their anger with the university admin’s decision to cancel our registration to hold a joint vigil on October 7th.”

The email from Pines added that “we encourage our entire community to mark the anniversary of October 7 with remembrance and reflection.”

At the moment, it’s unclear what university-sponsored events will take place on October 7th, at the College Park campus.

Consider Your Future Goals

Considering your goals when choosing an online college helps you select a program that fits your current needs and prepares you for long-term success.

If you intend to work right after graduation, choose a program that aligns with your desired career path. Look for concentrations or specialized tracks that can provide in-depth knowledge in your field.

However, if you plan to pursue further education such as a master’s or doctoral degree, ensure that credits from your online college are transferable to other schools. Also ensure that the college’s credentials are globally recognized, if you intend to work or study abroad.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Online colleges in Maryland (particularly private institutions), can be quite expensive, compared to other online schools. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average undergraduate tuition and required fees for four-year public schools is $9,750 per year; meanwhile, enrollees in four-year private colleges may pay north of $38,000 per year.

If private university tuition is out of your budget, consider enrolling in a state-owned online school such as the University of Maryland Global Campus, which only requires about $8,000 in annual tuition and fees.

Aside from seeking affordable online programs, here are other ways to fund your college education:

• Complete the FAFSA®
• Apply for institutional scholarships
• Take a private student loan
• Enroll in a work-study program
• Ask your employer about a tuition reimbursement program

BALTIMORE – With a little more than two months until election day, the majority of Marylanders surveyed in the new Gonzales Poll would vote for Vice President Kamala Harris over Donald Trump for president.

A total of 820 registered voters in Maryland who indicated they are likely to vote in the 2024 general election were queried for the poll by live telephone interviews, utilizing both landline and cellphone numbers between August 24 and August 30. 

A cross-section of interviews was conducted throughout the state, reflecting Maryland’s general election voting patterns, the pollster said. 

The Gonzales Poll stated that “the margin of error, per accepted statistical standards, is a range of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points and if the entire population was surveyed, there is a 95% probability that the true numbers would fall within this range.”

Presidential survey

According to the latest Gonzales Poll, 56% of Marylanders surveyed said they would vote for Harris over Trump for president.

The poll says 84% of Democrats support the Harris/Tim Walz ticket and 80% of Republicans support the Trump/JD Vance ticket. Also, 83% of Black voters polled would vote for Harris/Walz.

Among the independents, 38% favor Harris/Walz and 36% prefer Trump/Vance, according to the poll.  

Gov. Moore’s approval gets a bump

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who led the state’s response to the deadly Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in March, has the approval of 64% of Marylanders surveyed. Moore has a 35% “mostly soft approval” among Republicans who were surveyed (7% strongly approve, 28% somewhat approve),” the poll shows.

His approval rating increased by 33% since the last Gonzales Poll in the winter.

Last month, the governor spoke at the Democratic National Convention in support of Harris, who was nominated as the party’s presidential candidate.

He framed Harris’ candidacy as “the story of a prosecutor who defended our freedoms and had Maryland’s back when we needed it most. And now MVP: We’ve got yours.”   

President Biden’s approval

The Gonzales Poll shows that 53% of Maryland voters surveyed approve of the job President Joe Biden is doing, while 45% disapprove. Seventy-six percent of the Democrats believe Biden is doing a good job in office, and 84% of Republicans disagree.

State transportation and juvenile reform

According to the poll, 95% of Marylanders think it is “important for the State to invest in improving its transportation infrastructure.”

And, when it comes to juvenile crime, voters were asked, “What type of laws, in your opinion, ultimately better help our children under 18 who commit crimes – Laws that are strict, which include things such as juvenile detention and boot camps. This hold individuals responsible and accountable for their behavior; or Laws that are lenient, which include social programs and counseling. This recognizes that society is responsible for much of this behavior?”

The poll shows that 58% of Marylanders are in favor of strict laws, which holds juveniles responsible and accountable for their behavior, and only 34% desire laws that are lenient. 

“A majority of nearly every demographic group backs strict laws to inspire a sense of personal responsibility and to best assist our juvenile offenders ultimately realize at least a chance at a successful, happy life,” the poll said.  

Is the country going in the right direction?

Fifty percent of Marylanders polled say the country is headed in the right direction, while 45% say the country is headed in the wrong direction.

According to the poll, 93% of Maryland voters who think the country is moving in the right direction are voting for Harris/Walz, and 70% of Maryland voters who think the country is moving in the wrong direction are voting for Trump/Vance.  

In the previous poll, 41% of voters said the country was headed in the right direction.

“The mood of voters in Maryland vis-à-vis how they perceive things overall going in the country is a tad less grumpy than it was in winter,” the Gonzales Poll said.