Purdue Student Newspaper Hits Roadblock as University Halts Distribution Support

Purdue University recently made headlines by announcing that it would cease distributing The Purdue Exponent, the university’s longtime student newspaper. This change came with just two days’ notice and included the revocation of parking passes for student journalists, as well as a request to drop the word “Purdue” from the paper’s name.

In a letter dated May 30, the university stated it would not renew the distribution contract with The Exponent, which has been in place since 1975. Purdue emphasized that it wanted to ensure fairness among media organizations and said the current arrangement wasn’t in line with its principles of freedom of expression.

The Exponent, founded in 1889, has been a key platform for student voices. Currently, over 100 student journalists contribute to its content each year. Publisher Kyle Charters expressed concern that this shift would hinder their ability to share news effectively on campus, as access to distribution points would become more complicated.

Sophomore reporter Quint Holguin shared his surprise at the sudden announcement, noting that the change could leave Purdue without proper news coverage.

Experts on free speech, like Dominic Coletti from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), argue that Purdue’s actions misinterpret the principle of institutional neutrality. Coletti believes that such policies are meant to promote free expression, not limit it.

Purdue insists it is not blocking the paper entirely but has offered access to publication racks on a first-come, first-served basis. Despite these challenges, The Exponent has committed to continuing its reporting.

In a survey conducted by the College Media Association, nearly 60% of student journalists indicated facing increased challenges in their work, highlighting a trend that’s concerning across U.S. campuses. This situation at Purdue reflects a broader issue many student publications are experiencing as they navigate the complexities of institutional policies.

As independent media faces hurdles, the crucial role of student journalism in fostering transparency and sharing diverse perspectives becomes even more significant. While Purdue’s decision raises questions about the future of campus media, The Exponent is resilient and remains dedicated to informing the community.

For those interested in exploring the conversation around free press on college campuses, the Knight Foundation offers valuable resources and studies on the evolving landscape of student journalism.

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