Silencing The Forefront of Truth
by James Nerbis
Each whisper carried on the wind tells tales of student journalists whose voices have been silenced, their pens shattered by the acrimony of censorship. Yet, like the echoes of a forgotten song, these voices refuse to fade away, instead reverberating throughout the hallowed halls of academia.
For decades, the Campus Journalism Act (CJA) has existed primarily as a vestige of its initial purpose, falling short in its mandate to defend the basic freedoms of student journalists. Empowered by ambiguities in the law, administrators have brazenly infringed upon the constitutional guarantees of free speech and academic freedom.
The recent episode at the UST Office of Student Affairs (OSA) — demanding the deletion of a photo and issuing a public apology for a seemingly harmless post — serves as a stark reminder of how freedom is being shackled under the facade of safeguarding institutional reputation.
The absurd comparison of a university’s prescribed uniform with that of a convenience store’s employee uniform hardly constitutes grounds for censorship, yet the heavy-handed response from the UST OSA suggests otherwise.
TomasinoWeb’s suspended operations, following the resignation of its adviser, are emblematic of a growing trend where universities seek to curtail the freedoms of student journalists. Identical cases of censorship and student journalist suppression had transpired in the confines of UP Manila where UPCD Dean Michelle Segarra instructed a The Manila Collegian staff member to leave a town hall meeting at the UPCD Auditorium, threatening to cancel the event if the staffer stayed.
While the presence of a university-based publication to cover the event was essential, it would be more fitting for a college-based publication to provide coverage. College publications are uniquely positioned to address and bridge the gaps and shortcomings within their specific academic units. However, the lack of support and the stifling educational system often lead to the demise of such publications.
Similarly, the College of Economics and Management’s (CEM) Executive Committee denied UPLB Perspective representatives entry to a dialogue with the CEM Student Council about the college publication, despite an invitation. This decision followed a previous dialogue where OIC Dean Catelo stated that a college publication was deemed unnecessary.
These struggles blatantly mirror the plight of a seedling attempting to grow beneath the weight of a stone, as student journalists endeavor to flourish amidst the constraints imposed by their respective institutions. These acts of censorship represent a boulder placed squarely in the path of progress which hampers the development of both individual journalists and the institutions they serve.
The climate of fear engendered by these occurrences dissuades aspiring journalists from pursuing their calling. When voices are stashed away by the very entities charged with nurturing them, we run the risk of losing gifted individuals from the field. Thus, jeopardizing the integrity of our democracy.
Student publications’ existence outside the bounds of bureaucratic control fortifies the fundamental pillar of democratic governance. In these turbulent times marked by state-sponsored repression and institutional censorship, it is imperative for student journalists to stand firm in their commitment to truth-telling and accountability.
Much like student councils, student publications should unequivocally stand as independent institutions that are free from any administrative interference. Thus, the editorial independence of student publications must be fiercely protected against any attempts at censorship or undue influence.
Accreditation from the OSA should not be necessary for student publications as they are self-sustaining entities that can function independently. This autonomy allows student publications to report on issues without fear of censorship or retaliation which ensures that the academic community is informed and engaged.
As scholars, we cannot afford to be passive spectators while our cherished values are under siege. Much like a raging wildfire, the flames of student journalists burn brightest when allowed to blaze freely. It is discretionary upon us to unite in defense against the forces that perpetuate oppression without fear of reprisal. Only then can we truly become the vanguard of truth — for the truth is mighty and shall prevail.
