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Norwich University and the perils of censorship
Thoughts on the suspension of a college newspaper
Years ago, I marched in front of my high school along with about 14 other students who were members of the student newspaper. We carried hand-drawn posters urging the Supreme Court of the United States to uphold the protections enshrined in the First Amendment.
Alas, it was not to be — at least, for anyone under 18. In Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988), the Supreme Court ruled that “The First Amendment rights of student journalists are not violated when school officials prevent the publication of certain articles in the school newspaper.” (United States Courts). The ruling meant that high school administrators had the right to censor student newspapers as they saw fit. Their ruling had a chilling effect on school newspapers nationwide, allowing principals to overrule advisors and student editors and kill any news story they didn’t like.
Fast forward to 2024, where the censorship of student voices is continuing to grow — at the collegiate level.
This year, school administrators at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, suspended publication of the student newspaper, The Guidon. (It’s pronounced “GUIDE-on,” not “gweedun” and is the term for a flag at the front of a military formation, which is fitting for…
