The University of Chicago’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1892

Chicago Maroon
The University of Chicago’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1892

Chicago Maroon
The University of Chicago’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1892

Chicago Maroon
Zachary Leiter

Zachary Leiter, 2024–25 Deputy Managing Editor

From the humid bog of Washington, D.C., Zachary Leiter studied political science at UChicago. His areas of journalistic interest include Chicago’s hazy administrative systems, theater, and the environment. In his free time, he ballroom dances, plays Magic: The Gathering, draws, and researches American offshore fisheries policy.

All content by Zachary Leiter
The Department of Health and Human Services building in Washington, D.C.

[Photo] HHS Cuts UChicago Grants for HIV, COVID Research

By Grace Beatty and Isaiah Glick
April 10, 2025
The U.S. Department of State building in Washington, D.C.

[Photo] State Department Cancels Student Visas for Seven UChicago Students and Alums

April 10, 2025
The Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where DOGE is located.

UChicago Trustee Joins DOGE, Targets Social Security

By Zachary Leiter
April 4, 2025
Saieh Hall, where UChicago's world-famous Department of Economics is housed.

April Fools: University Reverses Position on Free Speech

By Peter Maheras and Zachary Leiter
April 1, 2025
Edward H. Levi Hall, which houses many of the University’s administrative offices.

UChicago to Investigate Faculty Member’s Posters for Alleged Antisemitism

By Zachary Leiter
March 31, 2025
The U.S. Department of Education building in Washington, D.C.

Trump Signs Order to Begin Dismantling Education Department

By Zachary Leiter
March 20, 2025
UChicago's Booth School of Business.

Department of Education to Investigate UChicago for Alleged Racial Discrimination

By Zachary Leiter and Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon
March 14, 2025
Maroons for Israel's installation on March 4.

UChicago Denounces Anti-Israel Vandalism as Trump Targets Antisemitism in Chicago

By Zachary Leiter and Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon
March 14, 2025
The University's administration building, now Edward H. Levi Hall. Courtesy of the University of Chicago Photographic Archive.

“Choosing to Govern Itself”: How the Protests of 1969 Shaped UChicago’s Disciplinary System

By Zachary Leiter, Elena Eisenstadt, and Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon
March 7, 2025
Edward H. Levi Hall, which houses many of the University's administrative offices.

[Video] UChicago’s Secrecy Thwarts Discourse

By Maroon Editorial Board
March 5, 2025
Cover of the March 5, 2025 print edition.

[Photo] Chicago Principles Special Insert Editor's Note

March 6, 2025
Edward H. Levi Hall, which houses the Office of the University Provost.

[Video] University Restricts Non-Tenure-Track Faculty’s Research Spending

By Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon
February 26, 2025
Julius Rosenwald Hall, which houses the University's College admissions office.

[Video] Department of Education Claims DEI Programs Violate the Civil Rights Act

By Evgenia Anastasakos
February 17, 2025
Edward H. Levi Hall, which houses many of the University's administrative offices.

Alivisatos Defends Lawsuit Against the NIH

By Zachary Leiter
February 12, 2025
Donnelley Biological Sciences Learning Center houses much of the University's NIH funded research.

Trump Administration’s Legal Strategy Raises Constitutional Concerns

By Zachary Leiter, Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon, and Evgenia Anastasakos
February 12, 2025
The University of Chicago Medical Center

“Flagrantly Unlawful”: UChicago Sues NIH Over Funding Cuts

By Anu Vashist and Zachary Leiter
February 11, 2025
The Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse building in downtown Chicago, where the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division is located.

[Video] Justice Department Sues Chicago Over Sanctuary City Policies

By Evgenia Anastasakos and Elena Eisenstadt
February 9, 2025
On Tuesday, hundreds of demonstrators joined Democratic lawmakers outside the Department of the Treasury in Washington D.C. to protest Elon Musk’s role in the new Trump administration.

With Trump Taking Aim at Department of Education, University Could See Major Changes

By Zachary Leiter, Evgenia Anastasakos, and Kalyna Vickers
February 5, 2025
Edward H. Levi Hall, which houses many of the University's administrative offices.

[Video] Trump Targets International Students Involved in Pro-Palestine Protests

By Evgenia Anastasakos and Kalyna Vickers
January 30, 2025
Edward H. Levi Hall, which houses many of the University's administrative offices.

Trump Administration Flip-Flops on Grant Freeze

By Zachary Leiter and Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon
January 29, 2025
Edward H. Levi Hall, which houses many of the University’s administrative offices.

White House Grant Freeze Could Affect Hundreds of Millions of Dollars in UChicago Research Funding

By Zachary Leiter and Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon
January 28, 2025
Professor Allen Sanderson.

[Video] Longtime Economics Professor Allen Sanderson Dies at 81

By Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon
January 27, 2025
Edward H. Levi Hall, which houses many of the University’s administrative offices.

[Video] UChicago Student Sues University, Alleging First Amendment and Tenant Rights Violations

By Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon
January 22, 2025
A UCPD officer stands on the steps of University President Paul Alivisatos’s house while protesters rallied outside.

[Video] UCUP Rallies Outside University President’s House, Demands Reinstatement of Arrested Students

By Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon and Oliver Buntin
January 16, 2025
Mamayan Jabateh, whom UCUP formerly identified as “Student B.,” speaks about their December 11 arrest by CPD and subsequent eviction from University housing.

[Video] UCUP Holds Briefing on Arrested and Evicted Students

By Sabrina Chang and Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon
January 8, 2025
From the October 11 UCUP protest: The student in the orange skirt was arrested on December 11 and charged with “aggravated battery of a peace officer” and “causing an injury while resisting or obstructing a peace officer.” They were allegedly attempting to prevent the arrest of the student in khaki shorts, who was charged with “aggravated battery of a peace officer.”

[Video] CPD Arrests Second UChicago Undergraduate in Connection With October 11 Protest

By Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon
January 7, 2025
Protesters rally around Cobb Gate, which they had locked with a bike lock.

[Video] UChicago Places Unidentified Student, Arrested at October 11 Protest, on Involuntary Leave of Absence

By Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon
October 25, 2024
Left: The student kicks a CPD officer. Right: Using a baton, CPD officers grab and attempt to detain the student as he flees down South Ellis Avenue.

[Video] UChicago Undergrad Charged for Battery of CPD Officer at pro-Palestine Protest

By Oliver Buntin
October 24, 2024
UCPD officers and protesters surround a police car where a protester had been detained.

[Video] Protesters and Police Clash as Protesters Lock Cobb Gate, Police Arrest Three

By Maroon Staff
October 11, 2024
Protesters lock Cobb Gate.

LIVE UPDATES: UCUP Locks Cobb Gate, Protesters Arrested

By Zachary Leiter, Katherine Weaver, and Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon
October 11, 2024
The Booth School of Business, home to the Polsky Center.

[Video] The Arts Staff’s Ten Can’t-Miss Arts and Culture Spots Across Chicago

By Maroon Arts
September 23, 2024
Screenshot 2024-09-23 at 5.58.42 PM

[Photo] A Welcome Letter from the Maroon

September 23, 2024
Wooden boards and a banner surrounding the encampment on Monday, May 6.

[Video] LIVE UPDATES: Pro-Palestine Encampment Enters Eighth Day on Quad

By Maroon Staff
May 6, 2024
The projected text on Levi Hall reading "From the river to the sea."

[Video] LIVE UPDATES: Pro-Palestine Encampment Enters Seventh Day on Quad

By Maroon Staff
May 5, 2024
UCUP's encampment on the quad enters its sixth day.

[Video] LIVE UPDATES: Pro-Palestine Encampment Enters Sixth Day on Quad

By Maroon Staff
May 4, 2024
The Maroon estimates there were roughly a thousand people on the main quad during the midday protests.

[Video] LIVE UPDATES: Pro-Palestine Encampment Enters Fifth Day on Quad

By Maroon Staff
May 3, 2024
Facilities Services removing a Palestinian flag from a large tree across the quad from the encampment.

[Photo] LIVE UPDATES: Pro-Palestine Encampment Enters Fourth Day on Quad

By Maroon Staff
May 2, 2024
The encampment on the quad enters its third day.

[Video] LIVE UPDATES: Pro-Palestine Encampment Enters Its Third Day on Quad

By Maroon Staff
May 1, 2024
The encampment on the Quad enters its second day.

[Video] LIVE UPDATES: Pro-Palestine Encampment Enters Its Second Day on Quad

By Maroon Staff
April 30, 2024
Signs placed on the quad in front of the encampment.

[Video] LIVE UPDATES: Pro-Palestine Encampment on Quad

By Maroon Staff
April 29, 2024
Madonna performs at the United Center.

Madonna Is as Mesmerizing as Ever

By Zachary Leiter
February 23, 2024
Halloween decorations invade campus.

Twenty-Eight Minimally Researched Halloween Movie Reviews

By Zachary Leiter
October 29, 2023
OIssue 2023 Square Cover

[Photo] O-Issue 2023

By The Maroon Staff
September 19, 2023
A stack of issues of The Maroon.

The “Write” Way to Get Involved on Campus

By Zachary Leiter and Natalie Manley
September 19, 2023
(Left to right) Martasia Jones, Kandice Robins, and David Goodloe in Jackie Sibblies Drury’s "Fairview."

“Fairview” Shocks, Shames, and Shatters the Fourth Wall

By Zachary Leiter
June 5, 2023
Illustration of Dean Boyer in academic regalia

John W. Boyer, Dean of the College for 30 Years, in His Own and His Colleagues’ Words

By Zachary Leiter
May 18, 2023
Worth Walking For

[Photo] Worth Walking For

By Angelina Torre
May 18, 2023
Glenn Davis (left) watches as Yasen Peyankov (right) re-writes Soviet history with a black marker.

Yasen Peyankov Is Spectacular in Steppenwolf’s Deep and Disturbing “Describe the Night”

By Zachary Leiter
April 10, 2023
Susaan Jamshidi and Adam Shalzi in Raven Theatre’s Chicago premiere of Right To Be Forgotten.

“Right To Be Forgotten” Is a Welcome, If Somewhat Distracted, Portrayal of Internet Privacy Debates

By Zachary Leiter
March 1, 2023
"Outer Banks" Season 3 premieres on Netflix on February 23rd.

“Outer Banks” Season 3 Is a Thrilling and Fitting, If Unwieldy, Continuation of the Hit Series

By Zachary Leiter
February 22, 2023
From left to right: Elaine Carlson, David Fink, Sahara Glasener-Boles, James Sparling in City Lit Theater's production of "The Birthday Party." (Photo by Steve Graue.)

City Lit Theater Flirts with Uncertainty in Pinter’s The Birthday Party

By Zachary Leiter
February 5, 2023
Catherine (Leah Brotherhead) and Heathcliff (Liam Tamne), with the company of Wise Children’s Wuthering Heights, adapted and directed by Emma Rice, presented as part of Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s WorldStage Series, January 27–February 19, 2023. Photo by Kevin Berne, courtesy of Berkeley Repertory Theatre.

Wise Children’s “Wuthering Heights:” Pretty but Lacking Depth

By Zachary Leiter
February 5, 2023
(Left to right) Luke Halpern, Alec Phan, and Crystal Claros in BoHo Theater's "tick, tick... BOOM!"

“tick, tick… BOOM!” Lives in Little Moments Between Dialogue and Lyric

By Zachary Leiter
January 22, 2023
[Left to right] Isabel Rivera, Lauren Smith, Isabella Maria Valdes, and Elena Victoria Feliz.

Steep Theatre’s Our Dear Dead Drug Lord is Terrifying and Thrilling, in Spite of an Imperfect Script

By Zachary Leiter, Associate Arts Editor
December 13, 2022
When I first took the pitch for this article—to write about my takeaways from a classic holiday movie—I was determined to write a passionate defense of Frank Capra’s 1946 classic "It’s a Wonderful Life."

A Tireless Thesis-less Tirade on the Tiresome Trials and Troubling Tribulations of Too Many Terrible Christmas Movies

By Zachary Leiter, Associate Arts Editor
December 7, 2022
Jim Morley as Dodge, Roberto Jay as Vince, and Robert Tobin as Tilden in AstonRep’s "Buried Child."

AstonRep Theater Brings Disillusionment to Life—and Death—with “Buried Child”

By Zachary Leiter, Associate Arts Editor
November 9, 2022
"The Cleanup" is, like a preschool, a collection of overused items sitting around and waiting for someone to laugh at them, and when those items are used, it's so often in a destructive manner.

Prop Thtr’s The Cleanup is an Overwritten but Underdeveloped Look at Post-Pandemic Life

By Zachary Leiter, Associate Arts Editor
October 31, 2022
Children off to a fast start in the Kids’ Mile

Comer Children’s Hospital Hosts 20th Annual “Race for the Kids,” Raising Almost $300,000

By Zachary Leiter and Audrey Goodlick
October 28, 2022
Steve Peebles as Macbeth in Three Crows’ abridged production of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy.

Three Crows’s Black Box “Macbeth” is Intimate, Accessible, and Full of Heart

By Zachary Leiter, Associate Arts Editor
October 25, 2022
Fantastical versions of Betsy Ross (Celeste M. Cooper) and Abigail Adams (Sydney Charles) visit Miz Martha Washington (Cindy Gold) in a dream.

Steppenwolf’s “Miz Martha” is a Feverish, Elaborate, and Infuriatingly Didactic Production

By Zachary Leiter, Associate Arts Editor
October 19, 2022
Formed in 1999, Killswitch Engage has been at the forefront of metalcore—a blend of hardcore punk and extreme metal—for almost two decades.

Burning Loud and Bright, Killswitch Engage Screams About Living and Dying

By Zachary Leiter
April 13, 2022
845aa14b244d21accb684a96e91c7b95

[Photo] Caffeinating Chicago

By Matthew Cabrera
May 7, 2022
Hiss_Golden_Messenger_1_Zachary_Leiter

Hiss Golden Messenger Is Quietly Blowing It, but They’re Still Great

By Zachary Leiter
May 24, 2022
(From left to right) Philip C. Matthews as Freddy, Travis Ascione as Picasso, and Dan Deuel as Gaston in "Picasso at the Lapin Agile."

Steve Martin’s “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” Provides Good Humor and Little Else

By Zachary Leiter
June 4, 2022
Chicago Chicken Rescue owner Vincent Hermosilla discusses duck care with UChicago students.

In Woodlawn, the Chicago Chicken Rescue Is a Refuge for Homeless Birds

By Zachary Leiter
April 17, 2022
The Law School

Law School Alum Jeffrey Peck Speaks About the Goals of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council

By Zachary Leiter
April 3, 2022
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[Photo] Distance Does Damage

By Eva McCord
February 19, 2022
image

[Photo] The Not-So-New Normal

By Emma Weber
January 22, 2022
IMG_7486

[Photo] “Skip the Screen, Save the Green”: We Need the Crystal Gardens

By Cherie Fernandes
January 16, 2022
tejas_fossil_fuel_image

[Photo] The End of the Pipeline: Divest from Fossil Fuels

By Tejas Narayan
December 6, 2021
IMG_5702_1

[Photo] The Terrors of Traffic

By Julia Spande
November 15, 2021
leaf_map

[Photo] Golden Corridor

By Maya Ordonez
November 12, 2021
Jenise Sheppard and Tekeisha Yelton-Hunter in "Ruined."

Thrilling, Scarring, Pulitzer Prize–Winning Play “Ruined” Returns to Chicago

By Zachary Leiter
March 3, 2022
Russian and Ukrainian Students Stage Protest in Quad to Raise Awareness of Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine

Russian and Ukrainian Students Stage Protest in Quad to Raise Awareness of Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine

By Zachary Leiter
February 28, 2022
Fiona Hill during the Munich Security Conference 2017.

Former U.S. National Security Council Official Fiona Hill Discusses Concerning Similarities Between Russia and the United States at an IOP Event

By Zachary Leiter
January 23, 2022
The Institute of Politics building.

Former General Stanley McChrystal Discusses War in Afghanistan, Risk Management, and Disinformation

By Zachary Leiter
January 11, 2022
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Institute of Politics Director David Axelrod in conversation at the University of Chicago in 2018.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Discusses Future of Republican Party and Reflects on Pandemic at IOP Event

By Zachary Leiter
December 30, 2021
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