Editorial
With each passing day, the first Tuesday of November gets closer and closer. On that day, we as Americans will be asked to vote on who will be the next set of leaders to guide our nation and set the policies that impact all of us. Whether you’re a free-spirited liberal or the strictest conservative, Nov. 6 shapes up to be an important day.
As the election of 2012 approaches, The Voice is committed to providing coverage of as many political events and rallies as possible. However, we are keenly aware that as we attempt to provide that coverage, we will no doubt be accused of slanting one direction and not providing equal coverage. As part of what some like to describe as “the liberal media,” we know that many of our readers will assume that our newspaper supports one side over the other.
This will be the first election that most of our staff has covered, and we will strive to present information as evenly as possible. As students we are taught to remain unbiased in our reporting and writing. Thus far, we think we’ve done just that.
When President Obama visited Ann Arbor recently, The Voice was there in full force to cover not only the speech but the spectacle surrounding it. As a staff we discussed making sure that our coverage was not completely directed to just Obama, but also the protesters around the University of Michigan campus that day.
In December, Photo Editor Jared Angle traveled to Iowa to witness the Iowa caucus and to hear what most of the Republican candidates had to say. Angle also covered a Republican debate on the campus of Oakland University late last year.
There will be many more rallies, speeches and protest along the way, and as we learn about them, we’ll be there to provide coverage. As always, if our readers feel we’ve been unfair, we’ll be available to discuss our content and hopefully after our discussion you won’t be seeing red… or blue.
Editorial
New structure’s opening a well-kept secret
Parking problems have long been a complaint among students and staff on the Washtenaw Community College campus. So it was with great pomp and circumstance on Monday, Jan. 9, that the college opened the $12.7 million parking structure.
Except there was no pomp and circumstance.
Or any real notification, for that matter, informing commuters that the structure was even open.
For something that had so much time, money and debate poured into it, one would think that those in charge at WCC would make sure that everyone on campus was well aware of the solution, finally, to our parking problems.
However, when the parking structure opened that Monday morning, there was no signage letting people know that the structure was open or directing them to use it. A broadcast email was not sent out until 3 p.m. that day, when most people were already on campus and in class. If you’ve been following The Voice at all, you know that students are not particularly diligent about checking their college email accounts.
The lack of promotion was so glaring that students on campus as late as Thursday of that week still had no clue the structure was open for use.
Those who bothered to seek out the information were treated to a beautiful facility and plenty of open parking spaces. The bridge that connects to the LA building is covered and surprisingly warm. And with plenty of cameras and security on site, the structure is as safe as a building on this campus can be.
It’s too early to tell whether the new facility will truly be the answer to our parking problems, but apparently promoting it as a possible solution created a new problem of its own.
EDITORIAL
When President Rose Bellanca unveiled a plaque honoring civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 17, it was, we hope, the beginning of a more permanent tribute to Dr. King.
With the impending renovations to the Student Center scheduled for this summer, a permanent memorial seems to be a logical part of the project. While administrators and trustees contend it’s not feasible to name the entire Student Center after Dr. King, as was discussed by trustees more than 40 years ago, naming a wing or a specified area for him shouldn’t be out of the question.
Part of that responsibility falls on the students of WCC to make sure that administration knows how important the issue is to them. Students cannot expect the decision-makers to take bigger steps towards a permanent tribute without the encouragement of the students.
The plaque dedication was a great start, and both the students involved and President Bellanca deserve applause for their work.
But as we all know: It’s not how you start, but how you finish.
Editorial
The dawning of a new year is typically a time when events of the past could be at long last let go, if not completely forgotten.
As we fade into 2012, we cannot offer our hopes and wishes for a new year without reflecting, both somberly and thankfully, on the end of the eight disconsolate years that defined our generation.
Finally, the war in Iraq has come to an end.
Most of us remember where we were on that fateful day, Sept 11, 2001, and we’re quick to share our stories with bated breath.
In the grip of anger and fear, riding full steam into Afghanistan shortly after seemed logical, and almost warranted. But when the first wave of bombs blasted the city of Baghdad in 2003, the logic behind it all was lost on many of us.
It was a broken kiss on an empty promise.
We had been misled by our own leaders, like a cheap date, in fear of future attacks and the use of Iraq’s supposed “weapons of mass destruction.” It plagued us daily, like some harrowing raven or cloud that we couldn’t quite shake off. It was under these pretenses that we all jumped aboard, not thinking of the lives, money and political prosperity that it could cost.
Was it worth it all, looking back, for the beautiful men and women of our generation to be subjected to eight years of psychological damage, bombings and gratuitous horror? For a cache of weapons and overarching threat that didn’t exist?
Many of us will never know what it felt like to be in their boots and gear, waiting for that day’s mission to be over without somehow losing what makes you human in the process. Even worse, many of us who had the option of sitting back and staying home pontificated in safety, adding even more to the politics that divide us so starkly today.
It would be easy for us to recount all the reasons why we were wrong to enter this war in the first place, but none of that discourse would change the fact that so many men and women gave their lives for our ability to do so, freely, without persecution or scrutiny.
We challenge you, the torch-bearers of our generation, to not be duped ever again by the politics of fear.
And most importantly, if you know a veteran, hug them – and tell them how much you appreciate what they have done.
We may let go, but we will never forget. Only history will prove whether it was worth it, but at long last, and with certitude, we can say welcome home and thank you for your service.
Editorial
In the world of journalism, it’s our job to be ahead of the curve. In the case of our recent story about gun restrictions on campus (Page 1 of the Dec. 5 issue), we were ahead of the times, and we wish we were not.
The story was clearly a hot topic to those on campus, as the comments and feedback for the story reached record highs. Opinions went back and forth about whether guns should be allowed on campus or not, and a passionate debate ensued. And that was before the tragic shooting on the campus of Virginia Tech last week.
Now that there has been another shooting on a college campus, the issue is sure to re-ignite the fires among those passionate about their arguments.
Whatever side of the debate you are on, one thing is for sure – Washtenaw Community College is a safe place. And even though The Voice has criticized how the college handled the potential sexual assault on campus, (Page 1 Nov. 7 issue) serious and violent crimes are almost non-existent at WCC.
Many students feel that by being able to carry their weapons on campus, they are better equipped to deal with a potential shooting, while the other side feels that no one should be able to have a gun in class because it could increase the likelihood of a shooting.
We as a newspaper are not here to choose sides; I think we can all agree whether or not someone is licensed to carry a concealed weapon has no direct correlation to whether they decide to shoot someone.
In fact, the most recent shooting that occurred on Virginia Tech’s campus was not carried out by a student, nor was it premeditated.
The bottom line is, students are in no more danger at WCC than they are at Briarwood Mall, or any other public facility. Having guns on campus is a very debatable and hot-button topic, and we happened to address it prior to the tragic events of last week.
We can only hope that the next time we’re out in front of an issue that another horrific event doesn’t unfold. Especially close to home.
Editorial
It’s no secret that Washtenaw Community College has to work within the constraints of a budget. And for years that budget has been pretty loose, allowing for the college to make many updates and upgrades to the campus.
Now that the economic downturn has caught up to WCC, the administration and the Board of Trustees will have to make some difficult decisions as to where to cut funding.
In April, budget cuts were made to many departments and clubs. The Washtenaw Voice was one of many that faced drastic cuts to our budget. And while we were not happy to lose the money, we understood the reasoning.
As tax dollars dry up, and funding from state and federal government gets smaller and smaller, WCC may have to start cutting more than just budgets. Programs may go, too. Unfortunately, those in charge may have to take drastic action and cut some of the academic programs that are not as popular with students.
To the best of our knowledge, no programs have been officially nominated to be cut, and by no means are we suggesting that administrators want to make these cuts. Again, we understand. Despite what we and students may think at times, the people in charge have our best interests at heart and sometimes that means making some tough choices.
While we understand that tough choices must be made and spending on various projects and programs must be cut, we can’t help but think about the $13 million parking structure that is about to open and the $1.7 million that will be spent to update the Student Center. That money would go a long way right now toward keeping academic programs alive.
And in the end isn’t that what WCC is supposed be about?
Editorial
When Washtenaw Community College recently renamed to the Henry S. Landau Skilled Trade Annex and the Larry L. Whitworth Occupational Education Building, many of us around campus were left scratching our heads in confusion.
Last year, The Voice uncovered documents revealing that the Student Center building was to be named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. To date, the building remains unnamed.
While we are disappointed that King’s name doesn’t crown the Student Center, we are even more concerned with the way the board and administration are handling it – by avoiding it.
In an interview last spring, then-President Larry Whitworth indicated that official board policy was against renaming any more buildings.
Since then, they have named two buildings after people in the last four months, after two more white men to be specific. Meanwhile, the powers that be have held fast on their policy to not give King the recognition he deserves – according to the best intentions of the board’s predecessors.
While we are inclined to say shame on the current WCC trustees, some of the blame lies with those who have seemingly failed to properly lobby those powers. There has been a dedicated and effective petition drive, with thousands signing on that they support putting Dr. Kings name on the building. And individuals leading those drives have gone to two different presidents in the hope of seeing that it gets done.
More distressing, however, was Whitworth’s assertion that King might not be as relevant, as he once was, to today’s college students. Excuse us, but doesn’t WCC repeatedly tout its diverse student population? Of course we do. Because it’s true, and we’re proud of it. But this wouldn’t be possible without the sacrifices of King and other Civil Rights activists.
We encourage and urge those passionate about the name change to continue fighting. But instead of pleading with administrators, take your fight to the Board. Offer the elected trustees the proof of the actions of a previous board, and give them no alternative but to put King’s name on the building.
If President Rose Bellanca is serious about the concerns of her students, and we have no reason to doubt her, then this should be among her highest priorities. Take the leadership and do not offer or settle for compromise.
To our students in favor of the change: Don’t settle. Overcome. To our Board of Trustees: Do the right thing. It is long overdue.
Editorial
If you’ve listened to or read any comments from Washtenaw Community College President Rose Bellanca, you know that student success is the most important issue on her ever-growing plate. And while it may seem like just another cliché attempt at improving her public image, her actions speak louder than her words.
On most afternoons, around lunchtime, you can find Bellanca on the first floor of the Student Center eating lunch, and she is usually engaging students. One student told a member of The Voice they never saw former President Larry Whitworth eat with the students, and they had seen Bellanca numerous times in the cafeteria area.
While it may seem like a minor gesture to some, we’re impressed with Bellanca’s willingness to take the plunge and actually sit in the broken chairs at the wobbly tables like the rest of us and not always the haute cuisine of Garrett’s or the plush surroundings of her office upstairs.
Students are notorious for complaining about something – and not talking to anyone who can make change. But by making herself visible (in the most congested place on campus), Bellanca is giving students every opportunity to get right to the source. And if you can’t make it down to SC at lunchtime, Bellanca has an open-door policy for students to come in and speak with her.
Bellanca recently told members of The Voice that she is using our newspaper as a resource for learning more about the college. We’re glad to help, but we would be naïve to think that we give proper coverage to all the issues that students are concerned about and that’s why speaking with Bellanca directly is the most efficient way students can enact change on our campus.
But it shouldn’t just be Bellanca who makes a point to get out and speak with students. Other administrators and certainly members of the Board of Trustees would definitely benefit from taking an hour or two every couple weeks to get down to campus to speak with students.
Time will tell whether or not these informal luncheons will enact any real change at WCC, but it’s refreshing to see the newest member of college administration making the biggest effort to get to know her true constituents.
Editorial
Recently, members of The Voice were invited to attend a forum on domestic violence that was held on campus here at Washtenaw Community College. Discussed at the forum were ways to spot signs of abuse and what victims can do to help get them out of an abusive home or relationship.
Staffers and contributors to The Voice attended the meeting with great interest because this is a cause we not only support, but we’re honored to give it the coverage it deserves.
At least we tried.
But once our writers and photographer arrived, they were essentially told they were not welcome to cover certain parts of the forum. As former survivors went up and told their stories, our reporters were not allowed to be present. The reason we were given was to keep their identities secret — at an event the public was invited to in both a story and an advertisement in this newspaper.
So what could have been a powerful message and story of hope and inspiration turned into a basic recap of an important event, but one that took place a week prior to our publication date.
A few days before the forum, one of our writers contacted the coordinator of the event to make sure they were aware that we would be in attendance. At no point during our interactions with the coordinator were we told we would not be welcome during certain points. Had we known about the restrictions in advance, we wouldn’t have bothered.
As a newspaper, when we are invited as guests, (and we were invited) we do not expect to be told what we can report on and what we cannot. The trustees don’t do that when we cover their twice-monthly meetings. It is not our job or duty to serve as a propaganda machine, no matter how good the cause, or how bad the news.
Our reporters are charged to cover an event from start to finish and give readers an accurate depiction of what took place – without including their points of view – based on what they witness. By no means do we ever approach a story with a certain perspective in mind prior to our reporting.
Domestic violence is a serious issue that deserves to be spotlighted and focused on, and no one bears greater testimony to the issue than victims and survivors. We regret that we weren’t able to give our readers a complete story about a worthy campus event, but those in charge of it asked us to leave.
Editorial
When news broke last week about an assault on the campus of Washtenaw Community College, students and employees were instructed to “please stay alert.” No other details were given, and it took almost another 24 hours before we got another vague, un-informing and, frankly, worthless message from the school.
As details have emerged, (which were also just as vague) the incident seems like merely a dispute between two people that was not violent in nature – which is a relief for many people on campus.
But it is totally irresponsible for the persons who broadcast those messages to send out an alert about an assault at 6 p.m., just as it is getting dark, that reads “A physical assault was reported on campus and is under investigation,” and not tell people anything regarding where and when it happened.
For all we knew, someone could have been robbed, beaten or even worse, raped. It’s not out of the question to think in those terms as anyone who has paid attention to the events on the U-M campus and downtown Ann Arbor can tell you.
While WCC is typically a safe place, and we can thank Campus Safety and Security for that, when news like this breaks, the college cannot release a bulletin like that and then wait a day to give another update.
If that were the case, writing for a newspaper would be easy. Can you imagine if the Detroit Free Press wrote “Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick lied, details coming” when they broke the news about the text-messaging scandal that led to his downfall?
Obviously someone thought this assault (or non-assault) was worth notifying people about, and we should appreciate that. But with a lack of protocol or foresight, they’ve seemed to cause more confusion, concern – and fear – than necessary. Some students immediately left campus when they heard this news.
The next time one of these incidents occur on campus, how many students and employees will simply overlook the message and ignore it based on the lack of useful information from the previous alert?
While we appreciate the attempt to keep us aware of potentially dangerous and harming situations, to leave us all in the dark about what to be on alert for is simply inexcusable.
|
|
Recent comments