Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions

I am nearing the end of my thesis. For those of you who don't give a shit, leave now. My thesis is on the "Future of Community College Print Newspapers." I have this passion for student press, or any printed press for that matter. From nice thick and glossy magazines to tiny little zines written on grocery store paper bags, I love them all.

The thing about student newspapers is they give a voice to the student population. To take them away is to stomp on First Amendment rights, but the minute budget cuts hit, the first thing adminstrators think of killing is the journalism program. Without a program, there's no newpaper. Adminstrators often see student newspapers as a big headache. This stems from the fact that they have no control over what's written in the paper. Often, stories appear that aren't always flattering to the college so admistrators rarely go to bat for these programs when they're in trouble.

With CA facing one of the worst budget crises in history, journalism advisors across the state are shaking in their boots. Several CA community journalism programs have already been threatened with elimination. This trend can be seen at colleges across the U.S.

With Arnold in office, one can only guess what will happen next. I urge anyone who cares about freedom of speech to be very concerned when they see journalism programs and student newspapers going away. In my area, the local community college was told the journalism program was being axed. It took a passionate advisor and a bunch of determined students to give the board hell and fight until they won. The program is now alive and well, at least for now.

Don't underestimate the power of student press.