To the Editor:

I write to you with sincere disappointment at the university’s intent to seize control of an 86-year old publication that has, until now, retained its independence and has bestowed a voice upon countless students in that time span. The proposed changes to The University News’ charter is, of course, an attempt to silence an editorial staff that has shown the gall to challenge and criticize the administration of St. Louis University. This is not the criticism of a pesky gadfly, of a bombastic conspiracy theorist, or a tabloid expos?. The U. News has proven consistently respectful and yet aptly questioning of some rather questionable practices among the SLU administration.

Sometimes I say to myself, “This is a Jesuit institution?” As a senior majoring in urban affairs, I look at the cityscape around SLU and can see, here and there, why St. Louis has honored Father Lawrence Biondi with award after award for SLU’s development in the Midtown and Grand Center neighborhoods. Their dollars invested are clear. But are Jesuits about donating money alone? How many more students will be instructed by the university’s own University 101 course not to venture into, or around, certain impoverished neighborhoods? How many more times will I hear the community in which SLU is based unreflectively and insensitively deemed a “ghetto.” The University News has proven a useful forum in which to discuss St. Louis and urban issues. The University has proven a failure at doing so.

And this is just my personal take on the SLU administration. Whether you want to talk about unacceptable tuition increases forcing even middle class students to reconsider re-enrolling next year or the snafu known as the Arena TIF, there is plenty to be discussed on the SLU administration that would surely prove tainted and biased when at the helm of a university-backed editor established by the incoming charter.

I urge the university to pledge their support for an independent University News. The students deserve an open forum to fill the gaps where SLU has failed to shed light on a particular situation. As a Jesuit institution, SLU should be seeking to give its students and not always its omnipotent leader free speech and control of their own sweat and blood, The University News. In the event the takeover does occur, I wish the U News well. I am a graduating senior who will perhaps be lucky not to be faced with the resulting sterilized publication.

I wish all involved with the newspaper the best. Good luck.

Matthew S. Mourning
Senior, College of Public Service