Student-run newspapers at universities across the country have become essential sources of news coverage for protests surrounding Israel’s military actions in Gaza. As universities crack down on demonstrations and police make arrests, student journalists are playing a crucial role in providing transparency and scrutiny of authorities. These young journalists, like Arianna Smith at Ohio State University’s The Lantern, are prioritizing coverage of protests over their final exams, showcasing the importance of objective reporting and the power that their writing holds. The coverage from student-run newspapers goes beyond just reporting on the protests, as they also analyze the legalities behind university policies and gather opinions from those involved.
At the University of Southern California, protests escalated on campus with nearly 100 people arrested, prompting university leaders to impose restrictions on demonstrations. Anjali Patel, editor-in-chief of The Daily Trojan, recognized the unique advantage student publications have in covering campus events, as they intimately know the campus and student body. With tensions rising at USC following the cancellation of a Muslim valedictorian’s commencement speech, The Daily Trojan mobilized its staff to cover the protests, increasing the number of reporters on the ground as police became more involved in the situation.
Student journalists at the University of Texas at Austin also faced a challenging situation when dozens of protesters were arrested after clashes with state troopers in riot gear. Amelia Kimball of The Daily Texan reported on the physical clash between students and police, with students being taken into custody and put in squad cars. The arrests came amidst warnings from Texas Governor Greg Abbott against antisemitism and calls for students participating in protests to be expelled. The campus community expressed feelings of betrayal and anger following the arrests, highlighting the intense emotions surrounding the protests and the response from authorities.
Throughout these challenging circumstances, student journalists are juggling their academic responsibilities, such as final exams, with their commitment to covering important events on campus. Their role goes beyond just reporting the news, as they also provide valuable analysis, insights, and perspectives on the protests and the actions of authorities. As these young journalists navigate the complexities of reporting on contentious issues, they are also shaping the narrative of their campus communities and translating the sentiments of the student body to the wider public. The dedication and professionalism displayed by these student-run newspapers are crucial in providing accurate and comprehensive coverage of events that deeply impact campus life and the broader society.
