When a public university system banishes a student-run news organization, every student should be aware that their freedoms of speech and press are under attack.
On Oct. 14, Indiana University (IU) fired their student media advisor, Jim Rodenbush, after he refused to enforce a directive to censor the content of the school newspaper, The Indiana Daily Student. The university called for the organization to only cover themed events such as homecoming and exclude regular news coverage from their publications. After Rodenbush’s dismissal, the university then prohibited students from publicizing their planned print edition. The university claims that this was a business decision meant to address the newspaper organization’s deficit.
Set aside the university’s explanation. The facts behind this situation speak louder than any justification. The content-based restrictions and barring publication of a student-run news outlet directly infringe the First Amendment rights of Rodenbush, the student editors, and all journalists. The First Amendment protects our freedom of speech and the press, and it is inexcusable for a public institution to infringe upon those protections.
Journalists question, investigate, report and inform their audience. They seek the truth without fear or favor and without the threat of retaliation while they inform the public.
As a student journalist, this is not only a threat to our profession, but toward the future of journalism. By witnessing censorship in the media, it creates an idea that our First Amendment rights are limited and negotiable. Censorship undermines the core of the free press as well as the values and ethics of journalism.
A student-led newsroom at any university is full of diversity and students with different beliefs and backgrounds. But as journalists, we are unified with upholding accountability, seeking truth, minimizing harm and reporting on stories that matter to students. To dictate the stories that we are ‘allowed’ to cover takes away the integrity of our work.
This matter transcends every paper organization and university. While fulfilling a higher position in a student-run news organization, the importance of defending journalistic independence becomes even more apparent. At The Charger Bulletin, we encourage our editors to cover both campus-related stories as well as topics that concern broader communities. My role goes beyond reporting but provides a platform where diverse voices can share their opinions and cover important stories for their peers.
This is not just a one-off incident and plays a deeper role on how administrations may attempt to control the narratives that are shared. All student journalists, myself included, must continue to hold the commitment to editorial independence and voice the concerns of others.
Observing the termination of Rodenbush reminds us that we have to continue to defend our freedom of press on college campuses. Whether it’s my own publication or that of another editor’s, it’s important that we foster an environment where everyone feels empowered to question authorities and report freely.
