Kristin Marthaler

Last week, the Collegian published a column by Roxy Hammond that has caused some discussion amoung students.

When running a paper, the editor has to choose what should be printed and how things should be worded. There is a fine line between freedom of speech and printing a column that is more than offensive. It was my job to decide if the column should be run. At the time, my impression of the article was that it made very direct accusations. However, at the same time, I believe strongly in freedom of speech and being able to say what you truly feel. However, I failed to edit the story for its derogatory remarks. I belive a point can be made without using certain words that were chosen.

I personally am apologizing for letting the article go to print as written. Working on the Collegian staff is a learning experience for all of us. My staff doesn’t only put out a paper each week, they learn how to design pages, how to make things look better, what makes a good article and what can be printed.

This is one of those situations in which we have all learned from this mistake and will make sure in the future it doesn’t happen again.

Please understand if someone writes in with an opinion that’s not libelous or slanderous, it will be printed. I will not stop anyone from expression his or her opinion. That is what the point of the paper is: to inform and entertain.

Please try to realize we are not the New York Times. We make mistakes. Even though we do, we will always apologize or defend our decisions. In this case I was wrong to publish the article as it was written.

Please accept my apologies.