Career Guides

Lately, I have been avoiding writing an editorial for The Panther because I wanted to steer from the controversial stereotype I have been branded with, but due to recent events, I feel as though I must voice my opinion.

Now as a member of the staff, I am strongly saying that it is not right, nor fair to be so judgmental of us and what we do. Any educated person would know that the responsibility of the media is to cover events and occurrences that take place, regardless of how they make you feel or look. We are no different, and just because we are your peers does not mean you should expect less.

That being said, we have the same freedom of speech, expression and press as any other publication you may read. If you disagree with what we print, write a letter to the editor or even a viewpoint. We accept all responses from those bold enough to say what they feel because as Americans they share that same right. But those people who like to negatively comment on our creative expression via Facebook, that, to me, is cowardly.

To say things like "we are rejects and ignorant" to me is too funny. The tragedy, however, is that this is alumni saying this of students at their very own alma mater. So judgmental are those who were recently in the same situation. But FYI, all of us are leaders on campus outside of the paper and we have each had the opportunity to fully experience our time here at PVAMU, whether through traveling, internships, etc. We have truly left our mark. As far as ignorant, Webster's dictionary defines that as the lack of knowledge, education or intelligence. Looking at my staff, I do believe we are far from that; those choosing to comment on our pictures, however, do seem to be lacking some knowledge.

Recently, there has been a lot of turmoil surrounding some hazing allegations that have been made. As a staff, we felt that it was a responsibility to encourage students not to haze and participate in any illegal activities in an effort to join any organization. Alongside our informative story, that by the way was not included with the illegally stolen picture from our Web site, we chose to have a picture showing one of the most common forms of hazing. Our point? STOP HAZING!

Regardless of the negative stabs at the staff, I will admit that honestly, I do love that we have grabbed this much attention from the student body and young alumni. I am glad that you are reading our work. I'm happy that you took time out to save our picture and comment on it because at least I know we are on your minds. We've done our job.

Whitney Harris

Editor in Chief