Those who read The Spectator regularly probably have noticed we often use the same student sources in multiple stories. Frequently, these people are student senators or other campus leaders, but other times, we quote certain people repeatedly because we know that they know what is going on around campus.
| Students should realize they can, and do, inspire and create change. |
At the newspaper, we sometimes struggle with finding a variety of informed student sources to use in stories. This may be a reflection on how we’re doing our job, as it is a constant goal to publish informative but also easy-to-understand stories that readers will be interested in.
However, the students who consistently show up on the front page of The Spectator deserve more credit than they are given. Regardless of whether I, or anyone else for that matter, agrees or disagrees with what they are doing and saying, at least they are taking a stand on something they believe in.
On a much grander level, the Oct. 24 death of 92-year-old civil rights legend Rosa Parks is an inspiring example of what can be accomplished when the status quo is not satisfactory. One simple act of defiance fueled a much larger act of defiance, which eventually led to constitutional change.
And, Parks will continue to inspire change after her death because of her strong conviction and willingness to endure scrutiny, including death threats and the loss of her job, for a cause she knew was worth fighting for.
Even on the level of our own campus, students should realize they can, and do, inspire and create change.
For example, look at the block of students who ran for Senate under Students 4 Action. While some may have sneered at the idea of the group at first, the organization had the last laugh as voting results came in.
And, aside from the specific bills they are arguing for or against in Senate, one hopes that the hard work and persistence of the group will inspire others to be active in campus affairs.
Not so long ago, Senate had a difficult time merely filling seats. Now, it seems this group has shown how important electing Senators who speak on behalf of all of us truly is.
This, of course, isn’t to say Senate or even individual senators shouldn’t be scrutinized for the job they are doing. However, criticism only can help promote improvement of an organization.
At The Spectator, we appreciate all feedback, especially criticism. We are here as a service to you. And, in fulfilling the duty we have to our readers, we feel that it is important for us to scrutinize other campus organizations on our editorial and opinion pages.
On the other hand, it sometimes is easy to mock those who put themselves on the line for the causes they believe in. But, if the cause that person is fighting for is so important to them that he or she is willing to endure personal jabs, then change is being prompted for the right reasons.
Take, for instance, the letters to the editor printed in every issue of The Spectator. It is by no means uncommon to see letters from former and current students that take shots at certain people. Usually these are the people who appear on the front page because they care enough about this university and their fellow students to do something.
Rather than constantly being berated for the causes these students take up, they should be applauded for finding an issue for which they’re willing to give time and effort.
As a journalism student, I’ve found it incredibly difficult to balance my inherent affinity for activism with the necessity of objectivity. However, the job we do at The Spectator is our own form of community service. Not only do we work long hours (as our 3 a.m. Hibbard Hall custodial friends could tell you) to inform students, but also The Spectator provides a very simple opportunity for all students to express their views on the editorial and opinion pages.
Submit letters to the editor and write columns. This paper is as much yours as it is mine or anyone else’s on staff, and your opinion deserves to published as much as any of the columns you read.
Rosa Parks refused to stand up on a city bus and inspired a generation. Students on our campus who refuse to sit down when they see a need for change also should be admired.
Pelleymounter is a senior political science and print journalism major and editor in chief of The Spectator.
