Debate set the tone for 2004, a year that saw close scrutiny of international actions, national politics and academic freedom at the University.
The tragedies mounted, beginning with the deaths of hundreds of American soldiers in Iraq and culminating, just days before the new year, in a historic natural disaster that took more than 150,000 human lives in countries surrounding the Indian Ocean.
Yet 2004 also was a year for victories, from the landmark opening of the Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture and History to Matt Calabria’s election as Student Body President after a contentious race that promised change to the Student Code.
UNC stood at the center of many battles, some of which won national attention. Though controversies concerning academic freedom and civil rights were settled in the University’s favor, UNC’s administration continues to grapple with lawsuits.
Contention on campus mirrored the climate of a polarized nation, in which parties sparred no-holds-barred for their candidates. Out of this melee came President George W. Bush, who garnered the support of 59 million Americans in his re-election bid and must lead a divided country.
