A letter to the editor
Issue date: 5/8/09 Section: Opinion
As many know, a new paper has appeared around campus that is being passed around like wildfire by students. The Western Garbage is single sheet paper full of sarcasm about WIU, its students, and life in general. It is irreverent, uncouth and discusses things most papers won't touch. Much like the Onion, its only point is to entertain its readers through wit and sarcasm. ? ?
What is most disturbing is the fact that you cannot find it in the library. In fact, it is strictly forbidden. Strange, that in a place that exalts the notion of academic freedom, open debate, and the free flow of ideas, refuses steadfastly to even consider the inclusion of the paper at WIU. In a conversation with the library dean, it was made clear that it is not "A University Sponsored Publication." In addition, the fact it was not purchased would also keep it from being included in the library's collection. This is occurring in a library where porn is permitted on computers under the notion that censoring it would be a violation of a person's free speech. ? ?
In a time of budget cuts, when the library is reducing its total volumes, circulation, and printed matter, they would enjoy the opportunity for free content. However, it seems that if you are not government approved, you are simply not welcome. ? ?
I don't blame the WC for this fact. Its staff has typically been in favor of an unrestricted press. I place the blame on the library itself, and an administration that is censoring views it either disapproves of, or does not receive approval from the administration. Therefore, we are left with a library, that doesn't want to be censored, but enjoys the privilege of censoring others. Much like the slave owners in early America who claimed they were fighting for "freedom", we have a library dean who enjoys free and open debate and academic freedom, as long as it fits in with government policy. ? ?
It isn't the fault of the librarians in at Malpass, only the top administration who is to blame. As students, and citizens, we should tell the dean of our libraries, "if you censor free speech, you should reconsider your vocation." A true librarian worth his or her salt would never ban books, publications, or information from the public. Unfortunately, we don't seem to have true librarians in the office of the Dean. Such behaviors brings shame on an otherwise noble profession. ?
?-Jose Vazquez ?Graduate Student ?MBA Class 2009 WIU Undergrad Class 2004 ?
What is most disturbing is the fact that you cannot find it in the library. In fact, it is strictly forbidden. Strange, that in a place that exalts the notion of academic freedom, open debate, and the free flow of ideas, refuses steadfastly to even consider the inclusion of the paper at WIU. In a conversation with the library dean, it was made clear that it is not "A University Sponsored Publication." In addition, the fact it was not purchased would also keep it from being included in the library's collection. This is occurring in a library where porn is permitted on computers under the notion that censoring it would be a violation of a person's free speech. ? ?
In a time of budget cuts, when the library is reducing its total volumes, circulation, and printed matter, they would enjoy the opportunity for free content. However, it seems that if you are not government approved, you are simply not welcome. ? ?
I don't blame the WC for this fact. Its staff has typically been in favor of an unrestricted press. I place the blame on the library itself, and an administration that is censoring views it either disapproves of, or does not receive approval from the administration. Therefore, we are left with a library, that doesn't want to be censored, but enjoys the privilege of censoring others. Much like the slave owners in early America who claimed they were fighting for "freedom", we have a library dean who enjoys free and open debate and academic freedom, as long as it fits in with government policy. ? ?
It isn't the fault of the librarians in at Malpass, only the top administration who is to blame. As students, and citizens, we should tell the dean of our libraries, "if you censor free speech, you should reconsider your vocation." A true librarian worth his or her salt would never ban books, publications, or information from the public. Unfortunately, we don't seem to have true librarians in the office of the Dean. Such behaviors brings shame on an otherwise noble profession. ?
?-Jose Vazquez ?Graduate Student ?MBA Class 2009 WIU Undergrad Class 2004 ?
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
BAILEY BARNES
posted 5/11/09 @ 9:00 AM CST
http://www.macombpolice.com/local_sex_offenders.htm#VAZQUEZ
Atta boy Jose! Look like you were a busy guy with a 15 year old!!!!
The library does not have to put what you want just because you want it. (Continued…)
SamRock
posted 6/27/09 @ 8:07 PM CST
Amen, Jose! You know, at first I thought this was a bash against The Western Garbage. It obviously isn't. Thank you for your support! Western, just like many other schools, need a paper that is a bit on edge. (Continued…)
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