New York Times slams Quinnipiac's threats against SPJ chapter
Kudos to The New York Times for an editorial Tuesday scolding Quinnipiac University officials for curbing free speech through its repressive policies toward a student newspaper and the SPJ student chapter.
During the past few months the university hasn't cared for an independent student online paper, the Quad News. So they told employees and athletes that they couldn't talk to the journalists. Then last month the university threatened to ban from campus the student SPJ chapter because of its support for the independent Web site. While the university has lifted its gag on employees, it still hasn't withdrawn its threats toward the SPJ chapter and apologized.
The New York Times writes, "Such intimidation does not speak well of Quinnipiac's commitment to freedom of speech, open-mindedness or academic inquiry." That's gracious of the newspaper. But let's translate it into plain talk: Buck up, Quinnipiac. Remember what this country is about, and remember your place as an institution of knowledge, tolerance and open discourse. The public expects more from our universities. Back off the SPJ chapter, apologize to the students, and move on.