2008 Woodie Awards
Open Forum
Kudos to the Weekly staff: special edition informs
Lijia Lumsden
Issue date: 4/2/07 Section: Opinions
- Page 1 of 1
To The Weekly staff,
Thank you for your thoughtful coverage of the events surrounding the unexpected departure of Joanna Iwata. As a student, I found it validating that the newspaper found this issue pressing enough to create a special edition of The Weekly. Your coverage has brought more attention to the activism of many students in response to Joanna's departure. The powerful visual images you selected for this issue, particularly the panoramic photo on the inside, are rich with the emotional energy of the student protest.
The layout of your special edition was amazing. Besides the images, I was pleased you included the chain of events, such as the e-mails sent out regarding changes in the Division of Student Life. This information is vital in understanding the situation. Many students have told me how amazed they have been by your work on the special edition, especially on short notice. Some staff and faculty members have also expressed that it was a powerful piece of journalism.
I have certainly had days where I've felt disheartened because of what is happening; it is clear from the reactions of many Mills members that I am not the only one that has felt this way.
I think that part of healing for many people is often about being open and honest about what has happened. In telling our stories, not only are you documenting the history of the Mills College community, but you are also providing ways for people to start having conversations about what is right and what needs to change at Mills. While we continue to advocate for what we believe in as students, it is heartening to see that our voices will be heard and reflected by you.
Also, I understand that you must balance your journalistic integrity with your role as students. I was impressed with your ability to support the students by highlighting the activism that followed Dean Iwata's departure while maintaining your balance by interviewing President Holmgren. It was important to offer her space to respond to the protest and to the student demands. It will be equally as important in the coming weeks to listen to the responses from the students to what the administration says and does going forward.
I appreciate the dedication of your staff in coming in to create this issue of The Weekly over Spring Break. Your commitment to journalism, social justice, and the Mills community are invaluable. I know that as students we are all extremely busy, so I am grateful for the extra time you all take to keep everyone informed. Thank you.
In solidarity,
Lijia Lumsden
Senior
Thank you for your thoughtful coverage of the events surrounding the unexpected departure of Joanna Iwata. As a student, I found it validating that the newspaper found this issue pressing enough to create a special edition of The Weekly. Your coverage has brought more attention to the activism of many students in response to Joanna's departure. The powerful visual images you selected for this issue, particularly the panoramic photo on the inside, are rich with the emotional energy of the student protest.
The layout of your special edition was amazing. Besides the images, I was pleased you included the chain of events, such as the e-mails sent out regarding changes in the Division of Student Life. This information is vital in understanding the situation. Many students have told me how amazed they have been by your work on the special edition, especially on short notice. Some staff and faculty members have also expressed that it was a powerful piece of journalism.
I have certainly had days where I've felt disheartened because of what is happening; it is clear from the reactions of many Mills members that I am not the only one that has felt this way.
I think that part of healing for many people is often about being open and honest about what has happened. In telling our stories, not only are you documenting the history of the Mills College community, but you are also providing ways for people to start having conversations about what is right and what needs to change at Mills. While we continue to advocate for what we believe in as students, it is heartening to see that our voices will be heard and reflected by you.
Also, I understand that you must balance your journalistic integrity with your role as students. I was impressed with your ability to support the students by highlighting the activism that followed Dean Iwata's departure while maintaining your balance by interviewing President Holmgren. It was important to offer her space to respond to the protest and to the student demands. It will be equally as important in the coming weeks to listen to the responses from the students to what the administration says and does going forward.
I appreciate the dedication of your staff in coming in to create this issue of The Weekly over Spring Break. Your commitment to journalism, social justice, and the Mills community are invaluable. I know that as students we are all extremely busy, so I am grateful for the extra time you all take to keep everyone informed. Thank you.
In solidarity,
Lijia Lumsden
Senior
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