For the most part, these articles have focused on sex and drugs — basically, controversial subjects. But our intent is not to simply publish articles on certain issues to gain attention. We simply believe these topics concern the student body and therefore deserve discussion.
In agreeing to publish a sex column, the staff sought to start a dialogue with our readers. Yes, we publish a regular column from one person with an opinion. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t want to hear from you. Whether you agree or disagree, if you have a response to the column that you want to run in the paper, please send it to us. The opinion section doesn’t belong to the members of The Reflectorstaff — it belongs to every reader we have.
We want to write columns and stories that deal with issues that matter. Sex matters — whether you’re having it or not. Relationships matter. In college, a lot of people have new experiences that include love and dating. It just makes sense for The Reflector to acknowledge that aspect of student life.
Of course, we don’t want to cross the line from being honest to inappropriate. I understand why some of you have concerns about the content being published. And, on the staff’s part, a lot of thought and effort goes into making decisions about what to run in those columns. We do our best to act ethically and make the right choice to protect the integrity of The Reflector. And let me reiterate that publishing other viewpoints is always important.
We are here to report the news — the good and the bad. When we ran articles on reparation therapy, mental health and drug trends, we chose to do so because these are issues that we felt needed attention. As journalists, part of our goal in publishing The Reflectoris to give voices to minority groups and highlight topics that affect the community.
Just because a topic is uncomfortable or “controversial” doesn’t mean we should ignore it. Reparation therapy is something that has remained under the radar but has affected specific people profoundly and — in many cases — traumatically. Mental illness diagnoses of college students are rising. Illegal drugs can lead to arrests, tragedies and harmful side effects. Adderall has been abused by students in order to increase or maintain GPAs.
Our readers deserve to gain information about these topics so they can be informed and find somewhere to seek help if they need it. The Reflectorshould be a resource. We try to handle these subjects with sensitivity. We do everything in our power to do something that will be a service rather than a way to get cheap attention, but we will write about these subjects.
The Reflectoris here to inform. We are journalists, not public relations writers. We aren’t trying to cause trouble. We are just seeking the truth.
We want to highlight the best Mississippi State, Starkville and the surrounding community have to offer. Doing the Paying it Forward issue last Friday was something I am proud of — the staff worked extremely hard to publish articles that highlighted people and organizations who make our community a better place. We want to continue to publish those articles.
Essentially, we are the student newspaper and will continue to make sure to focus on everyday topics that matter to Mississippi State. But we also want to tackle topics that are below the surface. We want to dig for stories that matter.
In order to serve you better, the readers, let us know what topics you want to see in The Reflector. Give us feedback. I am willing to listen and receive critiques.The newspaper isn’t about the editorial board; it’s about the readers. So communicate with us. We write for you.
The Reflectorhas always been here to serve its readership. Let us know how to do it, and we will do our best to accurately cover our community.