Tamar Shachaf
About you Editor
The University of West Georgia's student newspaper "The West Georgian" respects first amendment rights. The editor-in-chief permitted to publish an article by a staffer which was a satirical view of Greek life. The Student Government Assosciation and the Student Activity Fee Budget Allocation (SAFBA), it seems, did not agree that this article was appropriate. After the release of the article, which received thousands of views and comments, the SGA introduced and passed a bill to suspend funding for the paper.
Soon after the bill was passed, the SAFBA recommended to cut $11,500 from the budget of the newspaper. Though $7000 is cut because they fund an advisor, which is not allowed, the other $4500 are a mystery. The newspaper inquired into why the money was taken, yet minutes were not taken at any of the meetings and there seemed to be no reason. The only reason the SAFBA cited is that the West Georgian did not "meet the students' needs."
As a student newspaper, the West Georgian has to publish all views. Eventhough many did not agree with the Greek article it was still a perfectly acceptable article and use of free speech. The college should recognize that and be glad their paper is not censoring themselves. In a college world that is so full of Greek life it is neccessary to be reminded that it is not for everyone. The SAFBA and SAG should support the paper when it is being criticized because it is a part of their school and one of the most important parts.
https://www.splc.org/newsflash_archives.asp?id=1905&year=2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Cheerleading coach fired for setting bad example for students
Talia Shifron
To You editor, Fused
At Casa Robles High School in Orangevale California, cheerleading coach Carlie Christine was fired after some parents and students turned in a picture of her posing nude for Playboy Magazine. The students were angry that they did not make the cheerleading squad and had their parents turn in this photo to the school principal. The school administration decided that this showed Christine was a bad role model for students, and it was inappropriate for her to continue as the cheerleading coach.
While many people may not have agreed with Christine posing in this magazine, her job definitely should not have been taken away because of this. Every person is guaranteed freedom of expression by the First Amendment, and Christine should not be excluded from this right.
Just because these students may have looked up to Christine as a coach does not mean that they would have followed in her footsteps and started posing for this magazine themselves. Parents were concerned that their children had seen these pictures, but the reality is that if they felt that Christine posing for this magazine was inappropriate then they should have talked to her about it, and not gone to the school administration. Christine did absolutely nothing wrong and it is completely inappropriate that she was fired for this. If anything, the school system should be sued for taking away her valuable rights to freedom of expression.
To You editor, Fused
At Casa Robles High School in Orangevale California, cheerleading coach Carlie Christine was fired after some parents and students turned in a picture of her posing nude for Playboy Magazine. The students were angry that they did not make the cheerleading squad and had their parents turn in this photo to the school principal. The school administration decided that this showed Christine was a bad role model for students, and it was inappropriate for her to continue as the cheerleading coach.
While many people may not have agreed with Christine posing in this magazine, her job definitely should not have been taken away because of this. Every person is guaranteed freedom of expression by the First Amendment, and Christine should not be excluded from this right.
Just because these students may have looked up to Christine as a coach does not mean that they would have followed in her footsteps and started posing for this magazine themselves. Parents were concerned that their children had seen these pictures, but the reality is that if they felt that Christine posing for this magazine was inappropriate then they should have talked to her about it, and not gone to the school administration. Christine did absolutely nothing wrong and it is completely inappropriate that she was fired for this. If anything, the school system should be sued for taking away her valuable rights to freedom of expression.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Policy Changes at High School in Ill.
May Blog
Hannah Nixon
Announcements Editor
https://www.splc.org/newsflash.asp?id=1901
At a high school in Lincolnshire, Ill. a pandemonium broke out when student advisor Barbara Thill announced her resignation at Stephenson High School following the new policy rules concerning the school paper she advises called the “Statesman.”
The school board had been considering, they say, enforcing these new rules for quite some time. These new policies include more oversight of the student newspaper by Communication Arts Director David Noskin. He will now be reviewing each issue before it goes to print. The staff members of the “Statesman” were outraged, including Managing Editor Jamie Hausman who wrote a letter to the local newspaper about the unpleasant situation.
What finally triggered the policy changes was the Jan. 30 issue of the “Statesman” which featured an in-depth piece about dating habits and especially what “hooking up” means to students today. Jim Conrey, director of public information at Stephenson High School, made it clear the January issue was not the direct cause of the policy changes.
“It’s something that has been under consideration for some time,” Conrey said.
The students on the school’s paper have every right to be maddened by the situation. Not only is their educator leaving because of these policies, they will not be told the things they can and can’t write about. This has been a freedom at North that FUSED publications students have, and it is difficult to imagine what the publication would be like if staff members were told they could not right about a topic because a school authority figure doesn’t see it as appropriate.
The January article of the “Statesman” featuring topics on “hooking up” was described on SPLC’s website as completely relevant to teenage students. This is exactly what newspapers, magazines, and publications are meant to do- to serve their audience. The students, not just the staff members of the paper but the others as well, should not be punished by being ridden of information that could potentially inform them of issues they will face in high school.
Hannah Nixon
Announcements Editor
https://www.splc.org/newsflash.asp?id=1901
At a high school in Lincolnshire, Ill. a pandemonium broke out when student advisor Barbara Thill announced her resignation at Stephenson High School following the new policy rules concerning the school paper she advises called the “Statesman.”
The school board had been considering, they say, enforcing these new rules for quite some time. These new policies include more oversight of the student newspaper by Communication Arts Director David Noskin. He will now be reviewing each issue before it goes to print. The staff members of the “Statesman” were outraged, including Managing Editor Jamie Hausman who wrote a letter to the local newspaper about the unpleasant situation.
What finally triggered the policy changes was the Jan. 30 issue of the “Statesman” which featured an in-depth piece about dating habits and especially what “hooking up” means to students today. Jim Conrey, director of public information at Stephenson High School, made it clear the January issue was not the direct cause of the policy changes.
“It’s something that has been under consideration for some time,” Conrey said.
The students on the school’s paper have every right to be maddened by the situation. Not only is their educator leaving because of these policies, they will not be told the things they can and can’t write about. This has been a freedom at North that FUSED publications students have, and it is difficult to imagine what the publication would be like if staff members were told they could not right about a topic because a school authority figure doesn’t see it as appropriate.
The January article of the “Statesman” featuring topics on “hooking up” was described on SPLC’s website as completely relevant to teenage students. This is exactly what newspapers, magazines, and publications are meant to do- to serve their audience. The students, not just the staff members of the paper but the others as well, should not be punished by being ridden of information that could potentially inform them of issues they will face in high school.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Silly woman, the truth is for men...
Ariel Boehnlein
For You Editor
During the Miss USA pageant that took place near the end of April, Miss California, Carrie Prejean, was asked by super blogger Perez Hilton how she felt about gay marriage. In response to the question, she gave her honest opinion that she was raised to believe and did wholly believe that marriage is a union between only a man and a woman.
Silly, silly woman. How could she be so oblivious to who she was talking to? According to Urban Dictionary, "Perez Hilton (aka Mario Lavandeira), the self-proclaimed 'Queen of all Media', is an openly gay celebrity gossip blogger." His flamboyant rants and witty remarks amuse his readers almost daily. So how could a woman of such a heavy pageant background not realize that one of her judges is one of the gayest men in America?
In reaction to her controversial opinion, the media exploded. Did she lose her chance at a crown because a horrified Hilton wanted had a grudge? Is it actually possible that a grown man is so immature that he would let a woman's personal opinion interrupt his judging abilities?
She's been in numerous pageants prior to this one and should have realized by now that some people are so one-minded they can't handle what you have to say. So next time she's asked such a controversial question, she should smile, look pretty, and tell the people what they want to hear.
For You Editor
During the Miss USA pageant that took place near the end of April, Miss California, Carrie Prejean, was asked by super blogger Perez Hilton how she felt about gay marriage. In response to the question, she gave her honest opinion that she was raised to believe and did wholly believe that marriage is a union between only a man and a woman.
Silly, silly woman. How could she be so oblivious to who she was talking to? According to Urban Dictionary, "Perez Hilton (aka Mario Lavandeira), the self-proclaimed 'Queen of all Media', is an openly gay celebrity gossip blogger." His flamboyant rants and witty remarks amuse his readers almost daily. So how could a woman of such a heavy pageant background not realize that one of her judges is one of the gayest men in America?
In reaction to her controversial opinion, the media exploded. Did she lose her chance at a crown because a horrified Hilton wanted had a grudge? Is it actually possible that a grown man is so immature that he would let a woman's personal opinion interrupt his judging abilities?
She's been in numerous pageants prior to this one and should have realized by now that some people are so one-minded they can't handle what you have to say. So next time she's asked such a controversial question, she should smile, look pretty, and tell the people what they want to hear.
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