Censorship is no way to hold a debate

In our last issue on Feb. 5, an article entitled Privilege is not an active part of our lives, was published in the opinion section of the Old Gold & Black.

Since then, members of the Editorial Board have received online comments, e-mails and verbal criticisms for having printed the article, which some have found offensive.

The individuals expressing these feelings seem to be under the impression that the views of this article are indicative of our own. As a result, we feel it is necessary to address the misconception over our policies regarding censorship.

The opinion section of the Old Gold & Black is comprised of editorials and letters to the editor, written by members of the Wake Forest community who wish to express their own, personal thoughts on current events and happenings of the day.

These op-eds do not, in any way, shape or form, represent the views of this newspaper or its staff. They represent only the views of the author.

No matter how controversial or unpopular ones views may be, the members of the Editorial Board strongly believe that every voice has the right to be heard a right that we will not rob from Wake Forest students, faculty, staff or alumni.

Our constitution states: In accordance with the First Amendment to the Constitution of the U.S., we believe that all members of the Wake Forest community should have the right to exercise freedom of speech regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, physical disability or political views.

We are a newspaper founded on the principle of free speech for all not just for those who hold opinions more favorable than others. We are not now, nor will we ever become, an instrument of censorship. We do not believe controversy is something to shy away from.

There are important discussions and debates that we, as a community, must have; silencing the opinions of certain students is not the way to go about moderating these conversations.

To that end, we encourage all who call Wake Forest home to use the OGB as a way to engage in meaningful, constructive dialogue and debate. To clarify our policies for the future, we will include a disclaimer at the beginning of the opinion section of the newspaper, beginning with this issue.

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Censorship is no way to hold a debate