Politics

Former United States Ambas­sador David Kurtzer paid a visit to the University on March 5 in Wilson Auditorium to discuss political situations in the Middle East and his experiences as a United States Ambassador. The event was attended by approxi­mately 50 people including com­munity members and students.

The University Political Science Department offers a number of pro­grams to create unique opportunities such as the International Relations concentration which focuses on inter­national problems, in hopes to com­pete in a globally connected world.

California’s ban on gay marriage is likely to fall soon, due to a pair of developments in the past week. What remains uncertain is whether same-sex marriage will become lawful in just a score of “blue states,” or the norm throughout the nation.

Governor Chris Christie signed a bill that will allow casinos in Atlantic City to set up online gaming and gambling websites on Tuesday February 26. The state legislature has been dis­cussing the possibilities of online gambling for at least two years. Christie vetoed the bill back in 2011 when it was newer and more risky. He signed the bill last week after sending a revised version back with some suggestions and requirements that he felt would make the bill more successful.

Seven University students were invited to attend an event at the Unit­ed Nations in New York City to meet Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on February 20. The event was held at the Economic and Social Council Conference Room at the United Na­tion’s Headquarters in New York.

New Jersey Senator Frank Laut­enberg has officially announced he will not be running for re-election in the 2014 Senatorial election. Lautenberg has served in his New Jersey Senator seat for nearly thir­ty years, and at 89 years old, is the oldest member of Congress.

As America treks out of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression and moves beyond the 2012 election cycle, the country finds itself with a reelected and empowered ex­ecutive in his last term. Barack Obama has matured into his post and has now changed his politi­cal tone from one of a negotiator-in-chief to a demander-in-chief.

Pending the Board of Trustee’s approval and recognition from the state of New Jersey, there could be a legal studies concen­tration added to the political sci­ence department. This course of study will be offered in a similar fashion to the international rela­tions concentration offered.