Program Helps Students Reach Their Potential through Technology Training, Career Building Skills and Community Leadership

SANTA CLARA, Calif., January 19, 2011 – Kno, Inc., the new educational tablet that revolutionizes the way students learn, today announced a new Student Ambassador Program that creates a significant opportunity for students to realize their full potential while attending college. Kno will offer students who have demonstrated a passion for education and technology an opportunity to get real-world training and experience.

WASHINGTON, January 18, 2011 – The Internal Revenue Service is recommending a money-saving tax tip this season — most college students and first-time filers can use Free File from IRS to electronically prepare and e-file their federal tax return for free.

IRS Free File offers something for everyone through brand-name software or online fillable forms. It’s offered exclusive through IRS.gov through a partnership with commercial tax preparation companies.

“Free File saves you money and time preparing and e-filing your federal tax returns,” said Cecille M. Jones, acting director, IRS Electronic Tax Administration and Refundable Credits. “Free File really does make taxes less taxing.”

People with a 2010 Adjusted Gross Income of $58,000 or less qualify to use IRS Free File brand-name tax software. People who make more than $58,000 can use Free File Fillable Forms. Just go to www.IRS.gov/freefile to get started.

The best part: There’s no need to be a tax expert — the Free File software does all the hard work. It completes the forms, does the math and helps find tax breaks.

Free File is especially helpful to college students who generally have incomes related to scholarships or part-time work. Because college students sometimes can have unusual tax situations, the IRS, in addition to recommending Free File, offers these suggestions:

• Check with your parents: Depending upon the circumstances, they may still be eligible to claim you as a dependent. Your parents can claim you or you can claim yourself, but not both. So, talk over your taxes before you start.
• E-file and use direct deposit: When you combine e-file and direct deposit you can get your refund in as few as 10 days.
• Grants, scholarships, fellowships and ROTC payments: Some payments you receive are taxable and some are not; see Publication 970, Benefits for Education for details.
• Explore education tax breaks. Again, Publication 970, available at IRS.gov, will have details.
• Don’t wait until April 18, the deadline for 2011. There is no need to cram or panic. IRS Free File is available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.irs.gov/freefile.

Have more questions? Visit www.IRS.gov for answers to frequently asked questions, tax tips and you can even track your refund. And remember: go through www.IRS.gov/freefile to be eligible for Free File offerings.

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Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center Educates on Family Healing and Communication

CHICAGO (January 10, 2011) – Two of the nation’s leading experts in eating disorder treatment and family therapy will make their treatment advice available online, free to the public this month.

Kimberly Dennis, M.D., medical director, and Stan Selinger, PhD, family therapy coordinator, from Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, are the featured speakers for MentorCONNECT’s January teleconference on Family Healing and Communication. Dr. Dennis and Dr. Selinger will present on how patients can best communicate their needs for support to their loved ones and how loved ones can best offer support to the patient during the recovery process. The teleconference takes place on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 from 8:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. (CST).

Dr. Dennis and Dr. Selinger specialize in eating disorder and addiction treatment at Timberline Knolls, a leading private residential treatment center near Chicago for eating disorders, alcoholism, drug addiction and mood disorders, with or without trauma, a dual diagnosis or a co-occurring disorder.

“One of the biggest roadblocks to recovery is a lack of support from loved ones, but many of those suffering from an eating disorder don’t understand how to reach out and ask for help, and on the reverse side – many loved ones don’t know how to help,” says Dr. Dennis. “Groups like MentorCONNECT provide survivors with an educational outlet like these monthly teleconferences, and I am happy to offer my own expertise on the subject.”

A global online eating disorders mentoring community, MentorCONNECT provides individuals with the means to break through the isolation of eating disorders by sharing the tools of recovery in supporting relationships.

Members connect both individually and in groups with mentors to share experiences, provide guidance, and help each other through the struggles and triumphs of their journeys. Each month, MentorCONNECT holds a free teleconference with nationally-recognized eating disorders experts and survivors open to all MentorCONNECT members and the general community.

“Eating disorders affect not only the person suffering from the disease, but also their families and loved ones. The importance of family in recovering from an eating disorder cannot be overstated,” adds Dr. Selinger. “A teleconference is a great way to communicate with those individuals who seek information, help and guidance in order to find lifelong recovery from their disease, and for the loved ones and family members trying to support them in the best way possible.

To sign up for this free event, please visit www.familyhealing.eventbrite.com.

About MentorCONNECT
MentorCONNECT’s vision is to provide individuals with the means to break through the isolation of eating disorders by sharing the tools of recovery in supporting relationships. They accomplish this mission by connecting members individually and in groups with mentors to share experiences, provide guidance, and help each other through the struggles and triumphs of our journeys.

About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center
Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center is a leading private residential treatment center for eating disorders, alcoholism, drug addiction and mood disorders, with or without trauma, a dual diagnosis or a co-occurring disorder. Expert treatment staff offers a nurturing environment of recovery for women and girls (ages 12 and older) on a wooded 43-acre campus in suburban Chicago. Women and families seeking Christian treatment have the option of working with a dedicated Christian therapist. For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, visit www.timberlineknolls.com or call us at 877.257.9611.

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LINCOLN, Neb., January 10, 2011 – Neebo, a nationwide network of college bookstores, today announced plans to give away 100,000 textbook rentals, worth an estimated $6 million. The giveaway celebrates the launch of Neebo’s new website, www.neebo.com , which provides students with everything needed to enjoy the best possible college experience and get more college for their money.

Neebo.com will offer the most complete selection of new, used, and rental textbooks for college students, as well as college gear and other college-branded accessories. Students, parents and college alumni can conveniently purchase textbooks, sweatshirts, caps and other collegiate merchandise from their favorite schools across the country. Students will also find the largest selection of used textbooks available at Neebo.com; buying a used textbook saves 25 percent off the price of buying the same book new. Renting books can save even more – as much as 55 percent – leaving students with more money to spend outside the classroom.

“College students spend an average of $700 a year on textbooks, and Neebo can cut those costs significantly,” said Steve Clemente, Senior Vice President of Neebo. “Because one of our main goals is to help students save, we are opting to put our marketing dollars toward giving students a break rather than buying ads. The site will regularly offer giveaways through our Neebos Freebos initiative – beginning with free textbook rentals this month.”

Starting today, students can go to Neebo.com’s textbook rental giveaway microsite, select the book they wish to rent, “like” the Neebo Facebook page (www.facebook.com/neebo ) and receive their one free rental. The student will pay only a small fee for shipping. In addition, once the free rental transaction is completed, the student will have the option of going to Neebo.com to order all of his or her textbooks at a 10 percent discount. The promotion will run through the end of the month or until the free rentals are gone.

With some textbooks costing upwards of $300 each, students who get a free rental could save some good change for their pockets.

What to Do With the Money Neebo Saves You This Semester
No doubt, college students can quickly put their savings to use. But to help inspire fun outside the classroom, Neebo offers the following 10 ideas for how students who sign up for the free book rental can spend the money they saved from a free textbook rental.

1. Pizza for 10 of your friends
2. A concert ticket
3. Laundry tokens for the entire semester
4. Half a season’s worth of student football tickets
5. A nice dinner date with the girl from Psych class
6. A tank of gas to go home and visit mom
7. iPod shuffle and a $15 iTunes gift card
8. A new backpack and/or sweatshirt from your local Neebo bookstore!
9. A one-way plane ticket for Spring Break
10. Just put it in the bank!

Tips to Help You Save Even More
Throughout the school year, Neebo will regularly send free merchandise and offers – called Neebos Freebos – to students in the company’s Facebook community. The company also will offer advice on other ways students can save money.

“Every college student appreciates free stuff, but we also want to be sure students don’t miss out on other ways to save cash,” Clemente said. “We’ve considered the complete college experience and put together 10 ideas that will help students get more college for their money.”

Neebo’s Ten Money Saving Tips for College Students

1. Rent your textbooks. Students can save up to 55% by renting their textbooks from Neebo.com and won’t have to waste time in a crowded bookstore. And don’t forget to reserve your free book!
2. Attend Happy Hours. Students can sometimes save up to 50 percent off the cost of food and drinks during set hours at restaurants or bars.
3. Flash your Student I.D. Many stores, restaurants and services such as health memberships offer students a discount when they show their student ID.
4. Enjoy activities on campus. Not only can students meet new people but many of these activities/meetings offer free food to those attending.
5. Ride your bike or take public transportation to class. Gas and parking can really add up!
6. Bring a snack or drink to class. Vending machines and on-campus convenience stores can charge more than shopping at the local grocery store.
7. Make it to the matinee showings. Many movie theaters and playhouses offer matinee tickets at a discounted rates – and special rates for students!
8. Skip the off-campus gym and try using the on-campus facilities. Sometimes non-school affiliated gyms can cost up to $75 a month.
9. Buy a coffee maker. Buying a cup of coffee can cost up to $4 a day and really drain your bank account.
10. Shop at consignment shops or buy articles off-season. Consignment shops can offer designer clothing at a fraction of the MSRP cost and winter coats are always on sale during the spring and summer!

For more information, visit www.Neebo.com.

About Neebo
Neebo is a nationwide network of college bookstores providing students, faculty and alumni the most complete selection of new, used, and rental textbooks, as well as college-branded gear and accessories. We’re the complete college outfitter, dedicated to empowering your best college experience. Neebo unifies all Nebraska Book Company bookstores under one network and one name to help students enjoy more college for their money. Founded nearly 100 years ago with a bookstore near the University of Nebraska Lincoln campus, Neebo pioneered used textbook distribution and expanded to campuses nationwide. The Neebo network now includes more than 280 stores and serves millions of students.

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NEW YORK, January 10, 2011 – The key date was 1/1/’11. Rockefeller Aldrich Kennedy-Popton, this generation’s boldest leader, believes that student journalists have enough clout to spearhead a viral demand for unity, and he believes the implications could be global. On 1/1/’11, he updated his website to disavow any doubt about his desire to see student journalists use the start of the new year to initiate a juggernaut. This news release was delayed to give students a chance to settle in after the long holiday break, so its date of issue is 1/10/’11. According to UWIRE staff, “when dealing with college newspapers, the earlier in the week you send the release, the better. Many college papers don’t publish on Friday and virtually none do anything on the weekend. Most clients opt to send releases on Monday to ensure that people will be in campus newsrooms to see the release when it is first issued and that they will have time to do something on the story in that week’s issues.”

Kennedy’s regard for student journalism is not hard to explain. As mass media gradually became a global affair, America’s significance shrank to match the true size of the U.S. population in comparison to the world’s total population. Naturally that meant that foreigners gained control of the vast majority of media powerhouses. The century-long streak of American world leadership in matters of politics and culture was consequently put into jeopardy of ending as a result of being stripped of its imposing podium. Now required to endure by relying solely on its merits, American leadership thirsts for an unbiased media source, and student journalism emerges as the only haven of pure objectivity.

The preeminent next-generation political leader, Rockefeller Aldrich-Kennedy Popton, has spelled out the significance of student journalism’s role and explicitly delineates the way forward for American world leadership in no uncertain terms at a website that has been relentlessly refined over the course of the last five years. A visit to the site shows how powerful a well honed message can be. It even includes original songs hosted at www.youtube.com and highly contextual images. Become informed about the vision at www.theperfectmomentneverends.com and learn more about student journalism with this citation from www.wikipedia.org:

“The National Pacemaker Awards are awards for excellence in American student journalism, given annually since 1927. The awards are generally considered to be the highest national honors in their field, and are unofficially known as the ‘Pulitzer Prizes of student journalism.’

“The National Scholastic Press Association administers the contest for high school programs, while the Associated Collegiate Press administers the college and university contests. Pacemakers are awarded annually at the JEA/NSPA National Conference (for high schools) and the ACP/CMA National College Media Convention (for colleges) in the following categories: Newspaper, Online, Yearbook/Magazine, and Broadcast.”

Recognizing and Rewarding Students who Fight Hunger in America with $5,000 Scholarships

GAITHERSBURG, Md., January 4, 2011 – The Sodexo Foundation, the anti-hunger charitable arm of Sodexo, Inc., opened applications for its national STOP Hunger Scholarship program on January 1, 2011.

Up to five students will be selected as national winners. Each will receive a $5,000 scholarship award and a matching $5,000 grant in their name for the hunger charity of their choice. In addition, up to 20 students will earn regional recognition, with a $1,000 donation in their name to the hunger charity of their selection.

The STOP Hunger Scholarships recognize students (K-grad school) who are driving awareness and mobilizing youth to be catalysts for innovative models and solutions to eliminate hunger in America.  First introduced in 2007, the scholarships support the education of young people who are working to end hunger in communities across the country – and to draw attention to the innovative and effective solutions that they are implementing toward ending hunger in their lifetime.

“One in four people on line at food banks is a child,” said Stephen J. Brady, president of the Sodexo Foundation. “The STOP Hunger Scholarship program recognizes that young people not only are the victims of this national tragedy, many of them are offering fresh, creative and effective solutions so that their friends and neighbors – and even complete strangers – have enough to eat.”

According to Share Our Strength, millions of kids struggle with hunger. In one of the wealthiest countries in the world, more than 17 million kids don’t get the food they need. That’s millions of kids who are sick more often, have trouble learning, and are more likely to develop behavioral and emotional problems.

The scholarships will be presented on June 9, 2011 at the Sodexo Foundation Dinner in Washington, D.C.

To be eligible, students must be enrolled in an accredited education institution (kindergarten through graduate school) in the United States and be able to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to hunger-relief activities in their community.

The deadline for applications is February 18, 2011. For a complete description of the program or an online application visit www.SodexoFoundation.org.

About Sodexo

Sodexo in North America
Sodexo, Inc. (www.sodexoUSA.com), leading Quality of Daily Life Solutions company in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, delivers On Site Service Solutions in Corporate, Education, Health Care, Government, and Remote Site segments, as well as Motivation Solutions such as Esteem Pass. Sodexo, Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., funds all administrative costs for the Sodexo Foundation (www.SodexoFoundation.org), an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $13 million in grants to fight hunger in America. Visit the corporate blog at www.sodexoUSA.com/blog.

Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Daily Life Solutions
Quality of Life plays an important role in the progress of individuals and the performance of organizations.  Based on this conviction, Sodexo is the strategic partner for companies and institutions that place a premium on performance and well-being, as it has since Pierre Bellon founded the company in 1966. Sharing the same passion for service, Sodexo’s 380,000 employees, in 80 countries design, manage and deliver an unrivaled range of On-site Service Solutions and Motivation Solutions. Sodexo has created a new form of service business that contributes to the economic, social and environmental development of the communities, regions and countries in which it operates and to the fulfillment of its employees.

Key Figures (as of August 31, 2009)

Sodexo in the World
14.7 billion euro consolidated revenue
380,000 employees
33,900 sites
50 million consumers served daily
80 countries
22nd largest employer worldwide

Sodexo in North America
7.7 billion dollars revenue
120,000 employees
10 million consumers served daily
6,000 clients
700 facilities management sites

Contacts
Jaya Bohlmann
Sodexo
301 987 4550
jaya.bohlmann@sodexo.com

This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week and Friday, December 10 is Young Adult Vaccination Day. Young adults were hit particularly hard by the H1N1 flu virus that caused so much illness last flu season. This virus is expected to continue circulating during the 2010-2011 flu season, along with other influenza viruses.

Below is an article drafted by CDC that highlights the importance of vaccination for Young Adults. You are welcome to reprint the article in your publication.

Don’t Wait – Vaccinate

This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending flu vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older. Even healthy adults 19 through 24 years of age should get vaccinated.

Life can get pretty hectic sometimes. Whether it’s school, work, or your social life, you probably think you have other, more important things to do than get vaccinated against the flu. Last season, the flu attacked adults 19-24 years of age much more than usual, which resulted in missed classes, missed work, and far worse–trips to the ER, hospitalization, or even death.

Fortunately, there’s a quick and easy way for you to protect yourself, and to keep from spreading the flu to friends and family. Get a flu vaccine. One shot or nasal spray will help protect you against the three strains of virus predicted to cause illness this season—including the 2009 H1N1 strain, which is still circulating.

If you think you don’t have time to get vaccinated, think again! It’s easier than ever to get a flu vaccine. And if you ’re healthy, you can get the nasal spray if you’re afraid of needles! You usually don’t even need a doctor’s appointment. Most pharmacies, drugstores, and supermarkets offer walk-in clinics that are usually very quick and have convenient hours. In addition, most university clinics offer free or reduced-price flu vaccination for students. But the longer you wait, the longer the lines are likely to be. Flu vaccine is now available in various locations. So don’t wait–vaccinate.

The few minutes it will take you to get a flu vaccine is much shorter than the days you might have to take off from school, work, or both if you get sick with the flu. It takes about two weeks to build immunity against flu, so it’s important to act now in order to be fully protected by the time flu outbreaks begin. By immunizing yourself against flu you’ll help protect your family, friends, classmates, and co-workers, too.

NEW YORK (Dec. 8, 2010) – Effie Worldwide, which recognizes, encourages and provides education on effectiveness among the marketing communications industry, today announced its call for entries for the second annual Collegiate Effie Competition.

Expanding on last year’s inaugural competition, undergraduate college students will have the opportunity to select from two challenges in 2011. Heineken USA, who jointly developed and launched the competition in 2010, will task students age 21 and older with developing a program that addresses the importance of responsible activities related to drinking in a public service announcement (PSA) campaign.

New this year will be a brand challenge in which students will have the opportunity to submit a launch campaign for MINI USA’s newest model, the MINI Countryman.

“

Modeled after the Effie North America competition, the Collegiate Effie competition will give undergraduate students a chance to create marketing communication cases that address real world challenges for real world marketers,” said Mary Lee Keane, President of Effie Worldwide. “We are lucky to have such innovative partners in Heineken USA and MINI USA, as they are open to new perspectives and creative ideas for their respective brands.”

Reinforcing Personal Responsibility: Heineken USA Public Service Challenge

For the second consecutive year, the public service announcement challenge will feature responsibility initiatives led by Heineken USA. In the 2011 program, entrants will be challenged to create a campaign that will encourage adult consumers to learn, understand, download and use the Taxi Magic mobile application as an innovative option to secure a safe ride home after an evening out and avoid drinking and driving. In order to be eligible to participate in the PSA Challenge, students must be 21 or older by January 1, 2011 and currently enrolled full time in an undergraduate program.

“We were encouraged by the strong response to last year’s program and felt it was important to continue to play a part in the personal and social education of today’s college students,” said Dan Tearno, senior vice president and chief corporate relations officer, Heineken USA. “At the heart of our corporate values is a belief that we have an important role to play in promoting and ensuring responsible behavior related to alcohol consumption. This program allows us to tap into some of the brightest new minds in advertising to ensure that we continue to effectively spread awareness around this issue.”

Experiencing a Product Launch: MINI USA Brand Challenge

The inaugural Collegiate Effie Brand Challenge will focus on the January 2011 U.S. launch of the MINI Countryman, the first 4-door, available all-wheel drive vehicle to join the MINI family. Undergraduate students will be challenged to create an integrated, multi-channel marketing campaign that drives awareness and consideration of the Countryman among 20- to 30-year-olds.

“Our partnership with the Effie Collegiate Program helps identify future marketing leaders while offering fresh insight and ways to effectively reach and engage with the next generation of MINI enthusiasts,” said Trudy Hardy, Head of MINI Marketing, MINI USA. “Effies’ holistic and strategic marketing approach provides students the platform for developing solid ideas, and we anticipate bringing some of their ideas to life into the MINI Countryman marketing efforts.”

Qualifying campaigns will be reviewed and judged by industry professionals representing expertise in various disciplines, including creative, strategic planning, media strategy, branding, marketing and social media. Finalists in both competitions will have the opportunity to present their programs to senior members of the corporate sponsors’ marketing teams.

Entries for both competitions are due no later than March 3, 2011. Judging will occur in April and presentations will be in May.

To download the 2011 entry kits, visit www.effie.org/collegiate

About Effie Worldwide

Effie Worldwide stands for effectiveness in marketing communications, spotlighting marketing ideas that work and encouraging thoughtful dialogue about the ever-changing marketing industry. The Effie network works with some of the top research and media organizations worldwide to bring its audience relevant and first-class insights into effective marketing strategy. This has taken shape in webinars, white papers, global conferences, winner showcases and more.

The Effie Awards are known by advertisers and agencies globally as the pre-eminent award in the industry, and recognize any and all forms of marketing communication that contribute to a brand’s success. Since 1968, winning an Effie has become a global symbol of achievement. Today, Effie celebrates effectiveness worldwide with the Global Effie, the Euro Effie, the Middle East / North Africa Effie and more than 40 national Effie programs. For more details, visit www.effie.org. Follow @effieawards on Twitter for updates on Effie information, programs and news.

About Heineken USA

Heineken USA Inc., the nation’s premier beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world’s most international brewer. European brands imported into the U.S. include Heineken Lager, the world’s most international beer brand; Heineken Light; Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer brand; Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the United States; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Tecate Light, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico. For a safe ride home, download the Heineken USA-sponsored Taxi Magic™ application from your smartphone at taximagic.heineken.com. Please visit www.EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.

MINI in the US

MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC which has been present in the United States since 1975. Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 336 BMW Sports Activity Vehi cle centers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 100 MINI passenger car dealers, and 31 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at: www.bmwgroupna.com

In Steve Jobs’ world, traditional marriage is “offensive to large groups of people.”

At least, that’s what his Apple PR department told half a million Christians – signers of the pro-life, pro-marriage, pro-religious freedom Manhattan Declaration, whose app the company pulled from its app store just last week.

The app, originally awarded a 4+ “no objectionable material” rating by Apple, was removed over the protests of some 7,000 petitioners on “anti-gay, anti-choice” charges (this despite 30,000+ concerned consumers who in fewer than 24 hours signed a counter-petition to reinstate the app to Apple’s online store).

This puts the Manhattan Declaration in the inestimable company of other Apple-banned apps such as the disturbingly violent Baby Shaker game, Wobble’s boob-jingling app, the anti-Muslim iSlam Mohammed (curiously, the anti-Christian BibleThumper app remains in the App Store), and numerous other applications depicting graphic sexual content.

Is it just me, or does something seem awfully inconsistent here?

What’s most puzzling about Apple’s reversal of company policy is that if you actually read the Manhattan Declaration, it’s hard to find anything in the statement of conscience that could even be construed as “hate speech.” Rather, the document explicitly affirms the “profound, inherent and equal dignity” of all human beings – gays and straights alike.

It’s saddening to know that a reputable company like Apple – one whose very innovations espouse the virtues of an open, networked society – would choose to stifle reasoned and civil discussion of faith-based, cultural beliefs. After all, disagreement over the definition of traditional marriage isn’t “hate” any more than the 2,000-year-old teachings of mainstream Christianity are “offensive.”

Surely, Apple has the right to decide what to and what not to offer on its store. But Apple’s selective, subjective censorship of apps like the Manhattan Declaration’s should give us pause.

In the end, the debate over Apple’s unfounded decision to remove the Manhattan Declaration app isn’t just about one app and the so-called controversy surrounding it. It’s not even about political correctness and Apple’s disproportionate response to this should-be non-issue. It’s about honoring the value of free speech and openness to ideas on which our culture and nation were founded.

Wouldn’t it be great if Apple practiced the same kind of free-market, democratic ideals that allowed them to rise to the pinnacle of the technology industry?

Too bad there’s not an app for that.

This opinion piece was written by Chandler Epp, a senior at Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in International Affairs and Spanish. You can reach him at chandler.epp@gatech.edu.