College editors sue Georgia college over budget cuts

Student editors at Armstrong Atlantic State University's paper, The Inkwell, filed suit Monday against the university, saying the university slashed the newspaper's budget in retaliation for criticizing the administration. In March, the budget was cut from $54,500 to $39,740, a 27 percent reduction. Student government leaders had complained about the newspaper's coverage (finding university noncompliance with the Clery Act) when deciding the paper's budget. See story by the Student Press Law Center. SPJ sent a letter to the administration opposing the budget cuts (didn't hear back from the university).

Some professional journalists shrug when they hear of this kind of punishment/censorship, saying the school is the publisher and everyone has a publisher/editor to report to. The thing they forget is that the "publisher" is the government, so it's equivalent to the mayor or governor censoring or cutting funding to a local newspaper (especially after negative coverage). Not so good then, eh? The fact is, many university administrations and student governments try to punish college papers by reducing funding. College papers should protect themselves. First, they can get the board of regents to adopt a policy affirming press freedoms (see a great example at SPJ's student press freedom page). Second, write about it and get the support of the state's media (and public and legislators). Third, try to get self-sufficient so the paper doesn't need money from the university or student government. If that doesn't work, do like these brave students: Sue.