Purdue Cuts Ties with Student Newspaper: What This Means for Campus Distribution and Student Voices

Purdue University has made a controversial decision to stop supporting the distribution of its student newspaper, The Purdue Exponent. The university claims it’s due to an expired contract. This move has raised eyebrows among students, staff, and media advocates who argue it might stifle student journalism and limit access to vital information.

Many see this as an attempt to sideline the Exponent. Former editor Seth Nelson expressed concern, saying it allows the university to control the narrative. With Purdue cutting ties, the Exponent will now need to find new ways to distribute its paper.

For the past 135 years, the Exponent has been a cornerstone of student life, giving about 125 student journalists a platform to hone their skills. However, Purdue has now instructed the publication to avoid using the university’s name and has removed privileges like parking access for its staff. Critics argue this creates barriers that could undermine the independence of the paper.

Despite these challenges, the Exponent remains committed to its mission. Publisher Kyle Charters reassured that they will keep producing news. “We’re going to continue to do what we do and that is cover the news,” he stated.

This situation has caught the attention of advocacy groups, such as the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. Their program officer, Dominic Coletti, emphasized that this decision could compromise press freedom, a cornerstone of democratic society.

In recent surveys, student engagement with campus media has been on the rise, emphasizing the importance of independent journalism in shaping student culture. With other news outlets shrinking, the Exponent serves as a vital source of in-depth reporting on local issues.

As this story evolves, it highlights a broader conversation about the role of student media in universities and the challenges they face in maintaining independence in an age of increasing oversight.

For more insights on journalism and the First Amendment, check out this report from the Freedom Forum.

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