by Jesse Walker-McGraw
If the administration wanted to, they could censor this article. I don’t think they’d have a reason to, but they potentially could. Technically, they are allowed to censor any school publication that happens to “contradict the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church, whether on a diocesan or worldwide level.” The publications adviser must submit any article that they believe will “contradict or come close to the teachings of the Catholic Church” to the administration for approval. In the mission statements, for both the Teresian and the Dart, it is claimed that each publication “intends to be an otherwise public forum for voices regardless of diverse ages, sexes, races, cultures, religions and beliefs.” If every other opinion may be expressed, then why not opinions that conflict with the Catholic Church?
I understand that STA is a Catholic school, but ignoring contradicting opinions does not get students ready for life in the outside world. The only way to learn and make up our own minds is to learn about other people’s beliefs. The rule forbids discussion of many current topics, from abortion to divorce.
However, the main way this unjust rule manifests itself is in articles speaking positively of gay rights. One article approving of gay rights was not published for months, although it was ready for publication. The administration even required the author to make changes before it was published, all this because it supported the basic right of a group of people. This is blatant discrimination. Homosexual people have to deal with incredible homophobia every day, but increasingly there are movements for equality. Already, laws are making it illegal to discriminate based on sexuality. The administration may find its current censorship illegal in 50 years.
In addition, shouldn’t students have the right to express their opinion, no matter what it is, in the school newspaper?
Currently, the administration gives us a medium to show our thoughts, but only if those thoughts reflect the beliefs of the administration. If their goal in giving us a newspaper is to let us express free thought, then there should be no censorship. If they want to continue censoring, then they should admit that our publications do not truly express all free thought. If censorship does occur, it should come from the students after logical debate and thought.
In the end, all these arguments boil down to a few simple questions. What do we value most, affirming beliefs we have been taught or learning new things? What does the administration value, teaching one system of thought and banning the others, or inviting everyone to openly debate and express opinion? To me, the answer is obvious.
Peg Callahan • Mar 11, 2014 at 1:56 pm
Good article,Jesse.
Anonymous • Mar 5, 2014 at 9:25 am
I agree 100%! I may not be on the Dart or any other staff, but I am affected as a reader. I typically go to the Dart for reading material before heading to CNN, or the like, out of disappointment.This is due to only finding articles on school and limited ones of opinions on current events. I believe as young developing people we should be allowed to openly share our thoughts through all resources provided and not have them be altered. If we continue to censor the beliefs of students we are only continuing the harsh cycle of close minded judgement due to lack of exposure. Not all students attend STA for the religious affiliation. I would personally love to hear the opinions of my fellow STA sisters on current debates going on in our country. Isn’t God suppose to be excepting of all people?
Beth • Mar 4, 2014 at 10:40 pm
Obviously that’s not completely true considering you’re writing about this. I’m sure this does not reflect the administrations view. You’re openly expressing your beliefs right now by saying this. Although I agree that people should have open discussions about different perspectives, an online school paper may not be the place because anything said here reflects on the school which includes the good and the bad. If you’re ready to publish all opinions and perspectives get ready for the bad as well and remember you can’t censor them even if they are offensive because they have a right to voice their view too. Part of the reason why they do this is to protect students. May I remind you that the person who wrote “I do not attend a daycare, thank you” was harassed and many of the comments were censored because they were very highly offensive. This censorship is put in place to both protect the students from getting hurt and the reputation of the school. Plus this school and many of it programs are sponsored by Catholic’s, meaning if STA suddenly starts supporting gay rights funding could be cut and the diocese could get really mad at them. That’s just the reality of things, not saying it’s fair but it’s the truth. I’m just going to say this, STA is a very liberal environment for a Catholic School and truthfully they let us get away with a lot things including that article that they let get publish. Progress is slow, it doesn’t come over night, especially in a privately funded school where the families are predominantly Catholic. Be thankful that they are pushing their limits and I do believe they will continue to push, but it’s hard so give it time.
anonymous • Mar 4, 2014 at 9:11 pm
I agree with you Jesse! While some censorship and editing of students’ writing is necessary, I agree that it should be done by fellow students and peers. After all, don’t people of the same generation know what is appropriate for themselves, rather than an earlier generation simply speculating on it? This is really well-written and it is very brave of you to post this. Good for you!