In their April 8 “letter”, the editors tried to vindicate themselves for the controversial firing of former opinion editor Marissa Blaszko. Four weeks ago, Marissa was locked out of the Recorder’s office for not renouncing her campus activism and membership in Youth for Socialist Action.
The editors confess that Marissa was fired because she wouldn’t “dismiss her political and external activities.” In case readers missed the point, they spell it out: “political beliefs and opinions
that are acted upon in public are not tolerated.” In other words, any student who has ever opposed racism, sexism, homophobia, or war need not apply.
The Recorder fired Marissa for offending its conservative notion of journalism which it copied and pasted from the New York Times. But the Recorder doesn’t answer to stock-holders or journalism professors; it answers to students. Its editors can’t discriminate against student views the way that the corporate media can.
This politically-motivated firing of Marissa Blaszko sets a dangerous precedent for free speech on our campus. It leaves us no option but to publicly oppose your disregard for democratic freedom – and we have reason to believe that the campus will stand with us.
For more: http://freespeechcentral.wordpress.com
Sean Howard, Youth for Socialist Action President
ED: Please see The Recorder’s “Letter from The Recorder’s Editorial Board” in the April 8 issue.
James • Apr 22, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Go ahead and google her facebook and look at the picture there. There is a point where activism crosses over to disrespect, as shown in this photo where she is screaming at marching soldiers. Have some respect. Also as stated by Melissa Traynor, all of her content was always spun anyway. She had a PAID position and that doesn’t fly.
Sam • Apr 16, 2009 at 8:52 pm
“This politically-motivated firing of Marissa Blaszko sets a dangerous precedent for free speech on our campus. ” … That is absolutely and without a doubt INCORRECT! She was a journalist. She was supposed to be unbiased. She was fired because her activities completely diminished any journalistic credibility she might have had. You, however, are a member of an activist group (?) and have complete freedom of speech. Her firing does not alter your rights the least little bit. Think before you spout.