One of the features that distinctly characterize a practicing democracy is its free press. There are many, however, who employ any means whatsoever in the guise of this right to attain selfish ends. For all its seeming self-evidence, the right of press freedom is a very misunderstood term.
To the somewhere rebellious iconoclasts and idealists—the students—campus press freedom is very precious. Unfortunately, many students themselves, like their elder counterparts, have vague and ambiguous ideas about the role of the student press. Some use it as a tool of power for private motives to catapult them into a prestigious position, to use as a lethal sounding board against the school authorities, or to destructively criticize the local student council. Others, and this is especially true in many schools where student presses are still in their early formation, believe that the campus newspaper is to serve as a public relations instrument of the authorities.
Admittedly, the role of the student press is difficult to define. It seems that within each school, conditions exist that are peculiar to it and do not necessarily apply to other campuses.
The Voice of Student Opinion
Not many will question the existence of a campus newspaper. Why so? In general, the student press is performing an important function: for the school, for the country, and for the world. Furthermore, in an age where the youth is prone to vent its wrath and righteous indignation frequently, the student press serves as a resounding voice. And the voice, very often, is heard.
If nothing else, the student press “advertises” the school or university. This seems to be the case with student organs which have just been born into the campus and where administrative authority tends to be very dictatorial. Many times, the campus paper is the only school-wide communication medium available to all students. For spreading its activities, the school is indeed grateful to the campus paper.
Yet, the activity of the student press does not end there. Usually, the students listen to their newspaper. What is set in the editorial, for instance, is interpreted as the general consensus of that particular school’s students. Some presses may even play up minor news items very effectively. Student opinion may thus be molded, stimulated, and influenced through the student press.
The Challenge of National Issues
In its advanced stage, the campus press may contribute greatly to the intellectual progress of the country. Student opinion may be so guided that the campus press, speaking for all students in its school, may take on national issues. Such a voice can be very powerful.
Again, the student press may select a certain issue and constantly harp on demands until results follow. In some cases, the school authorities have been urged, mainly by the campus editors, to re-examine their position on some academic matters. The student press, however, which grows beyond the control of the administration, should not exist at all, for it becomes self-defeating.
One may well imagine the effect of a united national student press on an issue like repealing the law enforcing 24 units of Spanish. The National Union of Australian Students (NUAS) has contributed greatly to the demand for a re-examination of the Australian immigration policy.
A student press functioning proper implies, of course, responsible staff members. An editor who uses every opportunity to levy a complaint against the student council or the administration should be fired; with authority comes responsibility. The editor, not knowing his destination, cannot guide his ship properly. A responsible staff will most often produce a high-grade newspaper that is both respectful and respected.
The Problem of Censorship
What happens in the case of a conflict between the adviser and the editor? Is the editor justified in blatantly disobeying his adviser? The adviser, after all, will be held partially responsible by the administration for whatever appears in print. Incidentally, when such cases happen, this is already in the extreme. Ideally speaking, the editor and the adviser could never conflict for they are working for the same end.
The adviser should never enforce an edict strictly. The editor, who is in some way inferior to the adviser, has the final say in editorial matters and from who should these matters start. If the adviser disagrees, then they should advise the authorities as to how they stand on the matter.
For the student press to fully exercise its rights, there ought to be no interference or whatsoever. This includes the problem of censorship. Some would argue that, because the campus paper falls under the wing of the school, then the school can exact certain demands from the editorial staff.
This is inconsistent with the known fact that the administration itself has granted the staff the responsibility of publishing a newspaper. Insofar as the student newspaper is run by students for students, then it should be free from arbitrary regulations by the school authorities. There may occur rare occasions, though, when a paper’s opinion runs contrary to the authorities’ opinion.
If the administration seeks to discipline an editor, then provided that the editor has actually done a mistake, the authorities’ action is justified. The editor is still a student enrolled in that school and is still subject to disciplinary notice. If the accusation is unjust, however, the administration would be unfair in arbitrarily wresting responsibility from the editor. In this instance, the editor may resort to rational, non-violent measures to demand what he believes are the rights which the administration has unjustly deprived him of.
The present state of the Philippines leaves much to be desired. It is to the youth that many are turning to an optimistic future. The campus editors, as future leaders of the nation, ought to realize that their role does not end with the mere publication of a newspaper. The hackneyed saying that “the pen is mightier than the sword” is nonetheless true. Ideas, more than anything else, have determined, and are determining, the patterns of world events. Communication of ideas, therefore, is vital for the information of all free men. One effective means is through the printed word.
Thus, the student press, because it has been granted rights, ought to exercise these rights fully and discharge its responsibilities to the best of its ability. To the school, students, the Philippines, and the world: to them, the student press is accountable.
This article was published in The LaSallian‘s Archives 2024 special. To read more, visit bit.ly/TLSArchivesSpecial2024.
