Ellington

It’s the end of another quarter, which means it’s time again to reflect. As the first yearlong editor in chief, I started the quarter anxious about what this year might hold. For previous editors, this letter would typically be a farewell and a wish of good luck during finals. For me, this is a new beginning.

The Daily staff, this campus and I have all grown this quarter. Challenges have come up in every sense, and we’ve met them to the best of our ability. I’ve watched my staff grow and have learned with them what exactly it means to be a student newspaper — to be the voice of a campus — and we’ve formed new ideas about how to better serve our community.

You, our readers, have also been challenged. You’ve been challenged by what we’ve written. You’ve agreed and you’ve disagreed. But most importantly, you’re letting us know what you think, and we’re listening.

In doing this, you’ve challenged me. You’ve challenged my ideas of journalism, its purpose, and the weight and meaning of free speech.

This past week especially has been challenging for all of us. We’ve reflected on free speech, tolerance, inclusion and the importance of public discourse.

Although today is our last day of publication for the quarter, it’s important to remember what we’ve learned and to move forward with these lessons.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Free speech is for everyone. It’s not just for the majority, and it’s not just for the minority. It’s not just for people you agree with, and it’s not just for people you disagree with. It’s for you, and it’s for every person on this campus and in this community.

On this campus, The Daily is the student voice — your voice. In the end, the only way we can hash out our differences is to voice our opinions, and consider and respond to the opinions of others. The role of a newspaper in all of this is to be a forum for that to happen.

We can’t do this without you.

So keep writing letters, calling, e-mailing, stopping by — even come apply to be on staff. With your active involvement, The Daily will continue to be a forum for all voices to be heard. With every new voice, the discussion will grow and will better represent the diversity of our campus.

Good luck during finals, and have a good break.