Letters to the Editor-in-Chief
November 22nd, 2024
"When it comes to covering a story regarding American politics; it is without doubt that your section about the Presidential Election results (as well as your previous paper's edition) is politically biased and clearly written by politically biased editors who are heavily in favor of the candidate who lost. I don't know where you get your surveys about students saying they are "terrified" or feeling "pure sadness." Almost all of my colleagues in my classes are relieved of the Presidential election results. Not ONCE has your paper mentioned students who are in favor of Trump. I firmly believe in free speech, but I must say I am deeply disappointed that biased editors are even allowed to share their personal thoughts and twist the minds of the student-body in their favor. You don't have to be a Trump or Kamala supporter to write this political story. All I simply ask is to not make it sound biased, but even Helen Keller can clearly hear that it is, congratulations."
"When it comes to covering a story regarding American politics; it is without doubt that your section about the Presidential Election results (as well as your previous paper's edition) is politically biased and clearly written by politically biased editors who are heavily in favor of the candidate who lost. I don't know where you get your surveys about students saying they are "terrified" or feeling "pure sadness." Almost all of my colleagues in my classes are relieved of the Presidential election results. Not ONCE has your paper mentioned students who are in favor of Trump. I firmly believe in free speech, but I must say I am deeply disappointed that biased editors are even allowed to share their personal thoughts and twist the minds of the student-body in their favor. You don't have to be a Trump or Kamala supporter to write this political story. All I simply ask is to not make it sound biased, but even Helen Keller can clearly hear that it is, congratulations."
Nicholas NicponStudent
November 25th, 2024
"Thank you for reaching out to share your thoughts regarding our latest issue. As the editor-in-chief, I appreciate hearing from our readers, especially regarding important topics such as the presidential election.
I do want to clarify a few points that can help with your concerns:
1. The article you're referring to was labeled as an opinion piece. By definition, it is meant to express the perspective of the author--in this case, the editor-in-chief. Opinion writing is not intended to be unbiased but to present the author's position on the topic.
2. The article mentions a "social survey" we conducted through our Instagram. Through our survey, students were invited to share their thoughts anonymously. Among the responses we received, many were either unserious or responded with single words like "terrified" or "pure sadness." There were only a few full arguments between the responses, and one student did express optimism about Donald Trump's potential policies on the economy. That argument was included in the article amongst the others that expressed concern.
3. In our previous issue, the piece was unbiased. It highlighted a range of student views on the election. With this article, the authors went to the student center and collected responses from students who wanted to participate. While many of the students did not present thoughts on the election, there was one student who did state their support for Donald Trump, that perspective was included as well.
The Torch is committed to fostering an open dialogue about such topics, which is why we conduct such surveys and combine student input in our articles. However, we cannot control the number of students who wish to come forward and present their thoughts on these topics, let alone know their perspectives beforehand.
I encourage you and your classmates to be on the lookout to participate in future surveys or submit more letters like this for your perspectives to be heard. I do want to applaud you for reaching out.
Thank you again for reaching out and sharing your thoughts! "
"Thank you for reaching out to share your thoughts regarding our latest issue. As the editor-in-chief, I appreciate hearing from our readers, especially regarding important topics such as the presidential election.
I do want to clarify a few points that can help with your concerns:
1. The article you're referring to was labeled as an opinion piece. By definition, it is meant to express the perspective of the author--in this case, the editor-in-chief. Opinion writing is not intended to be unbiased but to present the author's position on the topic.
2. The article mentions a "social survey" we conducted through our Instagram. Through our survey, students were invited to share their thoughts anonymously. Among the responses we received, many were either unserious or responded with single words like "terrified" or "pure sadness." There were only a few full arguments between the responses, and one student did express optimism about Donald Trump's potential policies on the economy. That argument was included in the article amongst the others that expressed concern.
3. In our previous issue, the piece was unbiased. It highlighted a range of student views on the election. With this article, the authors went to the student center and collected responses from students who wanted to participate. While many of the students did not present thoughts on the election, there was one student who did state their support for Donald Trump, that perspective was included as well.
The Torch is committed to fostering an open dialogue about such topics, which is why we conduct such surveys and combine student input in our articles. However, we cannot control the number of students who wish to come forward and present their thoughts on these topics, let alone know their perspectives beforehand.
I encourage you and your classmates to be on the lookout to participate in future surveys or submit more letters like this for your perspectives to be heard. I do want to applaud you for reaching out.
Thank you again for reaching out and sharing your thoughts! "
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You can also send an email to thetorcheic@gmail.com