All readers created equal

You might have seen it on the curb. “No publication without representation” the chalk-scrawled writing read in front of the Mustang Daily newsstand at the intersection of Via Carta and South Poly View Drive. Another similar message was seen in the entrance to the University Union in front of a row of newsstands.

You might have seen the stacks of newspapers, so kindly returned to us by angry readers. After clearing out at least two nearby newsstands and placing the contents in front of the newsroom door, the protesters wrote the editors two notes describing their displeasure. “We protest the Mustang Daily’s continued publication of racist articles and cartoons against students of color without balanced and equal representation,” read the first note. On the second note was written: “If these kinds of publications continue without equal representation, more peaceful protests will follow.”

And you might have seen the cartoons and columns that started it all. A couple of readers wrote to tell us their disgust at seeing the Nov. 8 cartoon in the editorial section which featured two American Indians and focused on UGG footwear. A few others replied to a Republican column speaking against multiculturalism.

Now there are negative public statements around the campus and groups organizing against the Mustang Daily. While readers aren’t expected to agree with what runs on this page, we do hope our readers will understand that everyone has the same right to contribute. The opinion section is what you, the reader, makes of it. If you think the opinion section does not show equal representation, it’s because no one has stepped up and written an opposing view. If readers want to protest the Mustang Daily on campus, they have that right, but before protesting, submit the alternative point of view. If the cartoons and columns being run are offensive, write in and tell the university why you are offended.

Like we have said before, we don’t censor anyone’s opinion on this page. If you write in, your work will be published, as long as it is coherent. And however offensive or unpopular the content may be, this page ensures people the right to speak their mind in a public forum. The only representation of the Mustang Daily on this page comes from editorials like this.

Look up in the top left corner – it reads “The voice of Cal Poly since 1916.” If the voices on this page appear to be shunning diversity, that says something about the university, not the Mustang Daily.

That said, these events are being discussed with the cartoonists and columnists so they may keep their audience in mind when writing or drawing. Also bear in mind that these people are representing an opinion, but not the opinion of the Mustang Daily staff.

There is a fine line between what is controversial and what is offensive. Every day, the editorial staff is faced with decisions regarding how a photo will impact a story, whether to run women’s athletics story versus a men’s story on the sports page, and even how much coverage we give events and organizations. Are we perfect? No. We are still students and we’re still learning.

Don’t let us hear about your discontent through the grapevine. Write a letter or come by the newsroom and talk to us about it. But if you think your voice isn’t being heard, maybe it’s time for you to give this publication some representation.