OPINION

Letter from the Editor: Build dialogue amid uncertainty

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Lily Cole | Editor

Dear readers,

As we navigate a rapidly changing political climate, ignoring the daily uncertainty seems impossible. We find ourselves constantly confronted with the question: What if?

Uncertainty isn’t an enemy but an invitation to question, engage and rethink what we know. I’ve noticed concerns vocalized by the student body, including direct feedback from classmates and readers. I hear these concerns, see them and feel them, too.

The Voice welcomes all these concerns, whether you agree or disagree with an issue. We invite letters to the editor, where you can express thoughts and feelings through the Voice’s opinion section. Letters should be a maximum of 200 words with an author’s name and emailed to thewashtenawvoice@gmail.com.

At the Voice, we aim to provide truthful reporting to our campus community. It’s our job to be accurate, ethical, responsible and courageous. We are committed to providing clarity in the face of complexity, delivering facts and offering a space where different perspectives can be heard.

It’s an uncertain time for everyone. Administrators, staff, faculty and many others have difficult jobs. Many of them are likely under a lot of pressure and working longer hours to try to find a solution and provide support for students, especially at a time when executive orders targeting higher education are coming out daily.

But, in the face of uncertainty, we, the students, look to leaders and institutions for guidance, and the feedback from my peers reflects that we need answers. As editor of the student newspaper, I feel it’s my responsibility to give them that voice.

I call on the administration to be more open with students. Students received only one email from WCC President Rose Bellanca’s office on Jan. 28. Since then, changes to higher education have been prevalent. Send us emails. Keep us updated.

At the most recent board meeting, trustees reaffirmed the commitment to WCC’s mission. However, most students don’t attend those meetings. What students need to hear is a reaffirmation of this mission statement directly from the WCC administration.

As we face these times together, I encourage all students to participate in the conversation. Share your stories, concerns and ideas. This is your space, your opportunity to contribute to the narrative of our WCC community.

Sincerely,

Lily Cole

Editor, Washtenaw Voice