Responses
Sarah Rice, 3/4/2006, 1:35:48 PM
Just remember if you have set up your paper as a student forum, administrators don't have a say in your content. When I was an editor, administrators and student government would always threaten the paper with dollars but when it comes down to it, there is not much legally they can do. They have no right to take away money for content decisions but it does happen.
Work with administrators and communicate your standpoint and how important it is for student editors to have the freedom to make decisions. If it comes down to it, show them some of the court cases that have been decided in favor of college journalists and present them in a nonconfrontational manner.
Knowing your rights really helps when dealing with administration. Otherwise, they can take advantage of you.
Rob V., 3/10/2006, 12:56:20 PM
I think cartoons are such a strange medium. I've been in situations (and I'm only discussing my undergraduate career here, not my professional) where very offensive cartoons slip through the cracks in the name of art. I've actually heard people imply that they would have been more offended by, say, an editorial or column about a topic rather than a drawing. Conversely, I've seen the opposite side of it. I've heard the argument that a well-thought out written controversial idea is much less offensive than a cartoon. Go figure.
In this case, as I wear my adviser cap, I'd always recommend that you not consider what you "can" get away with, but what you feel you "should" -- especially if you know your audience will be offended.
I'll take that hat back off. I actually briefly drew a cartoon for my student paper, and personified a character called "God" as one of my American lit. professors (and "Satan" was one of my British lit. professors). I never caught any flack, and the professors loved it. Even now I'm scratching my head. But I do remember a more sexually-explicit cartoon catching a lot of heat, but no one ever complained through "official" channels.
I'm not sure if any of this post was helpful!
Rob V.
Red & Black adviser
Washington & Jefferson College
Blake, 3/16/2006, 3:26:51 PM
Andrew, don't assume that the University is only speaking with you.
Blake, 3/16/2006, 3:31:46 PM
My advice to you, Andrew is this: don't assume that the University is only speaking with you. It is highly likely that the University is also speaking with the other side as well so don't think that they are your best friend nor the best friend of your opposition.
It is a tightrope to walk, yes. Just remember that no matter what side thinks what and no matter what side is right, the University would desire no controversy over any controversy and most likely would want some type of compromise.
It's not a bad idea, trying to find some way to end the controversy. My advice would be to get a meeting between the University, your organization and a few members of your opposition.
Blake F.
Tartan Sports Editor
Radford University
Andrew Lent, 4/1/2006, 1:14:24 PM
I think it is great, that Blake Fought, the Tartan Sports Editor, founder of "Concerned Religious Students" and the biggest detractor of the Christ on Campus, comes in here, without bothering to announce his participation as the "leader" of the opposition, acting like he is giving such impartial advice.
I thank Sarah and Rob for their words of advice. This issue has been mostly resolved, up to this point, with nothing further happening between Whim and the Radford University administration.
Blake, 4/6/2006, 9:26:12 AM
Wow, I give Mr. Lent some solid, unbiased advice and he rudely responds back. That's professional, Mr. Lent.
Blake F.
Tartan Sports Editor
Radford University
Marc Wood, 4/6/2006, 9:42:41 AM
That's enough. Take it somewhere else, guys.
