Upholding free speech is a balancing act
When I came into this job, the Thresher was learning how to do journalism in a pandemic. We couldn’t anticipate how the paper would look like if and when we returned to “normal.” The once-jam-packed opinion spread had been reduced to a single page that wasn’t always filled. As engagement with and trust of the opinion section has ebbed and flowed in the three years since then, one thing has remained constant: to uplift diverse voices and start important discussions on campus, we have to wield the platform carefully.
As a journalist and the arbiter of the section most devoted to the First Amendment, I have to give every voice a chance to speak. The only way to open a platform for some people is to do so for all — though not without limits. Deciding what free speech we allow is a tricky line to walk each week. I have made my fair share of mistakes over the years — there were statements I failed to fully fact check, claims that were solely inflammatory and pieces that needed more consideration before publishing — but it is through accountability that the section progresses.
We have faced our fair share of criticism for the things we publish, but this discourse is a necessary part of the process. I have learned to separate myself from the noise and focus on valid critiques that can strengthen our paper. Above all, I work hard to put out the best versions of our opinions, because people are listening.
Despite the challenges, what has kept me going is knowing that the work we do matters. Seeing changes to dining plans and discussions around ChatGPT occur because of what was published on page five of the paper reminds me why the section exists. For every controversial opinion designed to stir up criticism, there are many more that can achieve change. As I put out my first (and last) two-page spread filled with discourse as opinion editor, I am confident I will see the section flourish from a close distance as managing editor — so long as the Rice community values its potential.
More from The Rice Thresher
This moment may be unprecedented — Rice falling short is not
In many ways, the current landscape of American higher education is unprecedented. Sweeping cuts to federal research funding, overt government efforts to control academic departments and censor campus protests and arbitrary arrests and visa revocations have rightly been criticized as ushering in the latest iteration of fascism.
This moment may be unprecedented — Rice falling short is not
In many ways, the current landscape of American higher education is unprecedented. Sweeping cuts to federal research funding, overt government efforts to control academic departments and censor campus protests and arbitrary arrests and visa revocations have rightly been criticized as ushering in the latest iteration of fascism.
Obituary for D’Brickashaw Eagleclaw Ibarra
D’Brickashaw Eagleclaw Ibarra, nicknamed DEI, has transitioned to the ancestral plane.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication by The Rice Thresher.