The events of this week reflect a symptom of a broader problem: students are not heard about their concerns on this campus. 

As a publication, we have heard from students, faculty and staff how they hope administrators listen to the concerns of students. We also hope that listening and hearing occurs, no matter if a protest is organized or not. 

Many identities on this campus have historically not been listened to or heard by the administration and by fellow students. At times, the Oracle has been a part of that. As a journalistic publication, we are a part of an industry that has historically pushed out voices of color, queer voices and voices that do not conform to what is considered “normal” in our greater society. We must be aware of our impact, not just as journalists, but as students.

Private universities in America have long been establishments upholding systematic discrimination of all forms, and it is imperative that we find ways of undoing the unequal access to support, care and resources caused by the historically inaccessible institutions our communities have formed themselves around.

Holding our University’s president, administration, professors or staff accountable for the things they say is valid and part of our job as students. 

As a publication, we are grappling with what it means for students to use the power they do have. It is important, and we believe it must be done with the goal of protecting not just themselves, but all members of their community. 

Hamline’s student newspaper, the Oracle, can be a part of that by making student media more accessible to those it is a resource for, the students. We are a space to share information, tell stories or publish submitted Letters to the Editor. The Oracle can provide a platform for student voices and serve as a resource for the students.

Students at Hamline are partial investors in the university, and with our power as members of this institution, we have to be cognizant of the ways in which we contribute to the spaces we exist in. This could look like supporting communal resources such as the Food Resource Center (FRC), the Women’s Resource Center, the various affinity groups or donating and participating in any supply drives. It has been shown through examples like the FRC that by contributing to the accessible resources on campus, we can signal to the administration that the responsibility of fixing institutional weaknesses can be a collaborative effort.

Leveraging our status as students paying to attend this university to achieve structural change ultimately holds the potential to help us stand toe-to-toe with administrators and demand better conduct. And as a publication, we hope for a space where students look after each other and work together to find solutions by engaging with the administration. 

Signed, 

Anika Besst – Editor in Chief 

Robin Doyscher  – Managing Editor 

Cathryn Salis – Sports Editor

Sena Ross – Design Editor

Lydia Meier – News Editor

Leo Coughenour – Opinion Editor