The Guidon, Norwich’s student-run newspaper, has been suspended for the fall semester, sparking concerns about censorship on campus. Despite pledging to resume publishing after the summer break, the newspaper has not published a single story this semester. The decision to halt publication was based on concerns that the student journalists were not adequately prepared for the challenges of reporting. The move came after critical stories were published in the spring, including coverage of a lawsuit from a former administrator and a reported sexual assault on campus.
The suspension of The Guidon has raised questions about censorship and oversight at Norwich University. Administrators have stated that the decision to suspend the publication was a “pause” to reevaluate how to best prepare students for future journalism work. The lack of training and concerns raised about the responsibilities taken on by the student journalists were cited as reasons for the suspension. The university is committed to reinvigorating The Guidon as early as next semester, but the move has been met with pushback from students and faculty at the institution.
The suspension of The Guidon has drawn criticism from students, faculty, and advocates of press freedom. Some faculty members have urged administrators to lift the suspension immediately, citing the importance of a free press on campus. The lack of information due to the newspaper’s suspension has been a concern for students, who feel they are missing out on critical information about campus events and issues. The level of oversight imposed on The Guidon, requiring approval from the Department of Global Humanities for editorial materials, is seen as unique compared to other student newspapers in Vermont.
The debate over the suspension of The Guidon has brought up questions about freedom of the press, censorship, and the role of student journalism on campus. Faculty members have expressed concerns about inappropriate influence on the publication’s content, while administrators insist that they are not engaging in censorship. The university is exploring what student journalism and a free press mean in the context of higher education, trying to establish clear guidelines for student journalists and storytellers. The ongoing debate over The Guidon’s suspension highlights the importance of a free and independent press on college campuses and the need for open dialogue between students, faculty, and administrators.
