News
Briefly
Calendar of Events
Commentary
Opinions
Sports
Diversions
World News
Login
Letter Submission
Search
Archive
Publishing Policy
Classifieds
Mail Subscriptions
St. Cloud State University
College Publisher
Home
>
Commentary
Words, protest stronger than action
By Nick Hanson
Published:
Monday, October 20, 2003
Nick Hanson -- Staff Essay
The last few weeks have blessed me with many friends and even more enemies.
It's funny how articles in a college newspaper can spawn such a large reaction.
At a Neighborhood University Community Council meeting, copies of my staff essay about the SCPD were passed around. Prominent members of the community, city council and the university prompted a discussion about my antics. Self-proclaimed community activist Jerry Middelstadt said he would like to hang me by my balls. Gee, what a professional reaction.
When I approached a group of officers Saturday night and they realized I was from the Chronicle, the first thing they asked was if I was Nick Hanson. My mom always said I was a handsome boy, but I was still surprised that I was instantly recognized. Their stone gazes made me feel like a murderer. After they taunted me and told me my articles were entirely inaccurate, I left fearing that they might ticket me for J-walking or spitting on the ground.
However, I don't care what the SCPD, neighborhood council or administrators think about me. I write for the students.
The best part of my day is when someone compliments me on an article. When I walk around campus, go to Eastman or go to a party, students that I don't even know approach me. The most common response is, "Dude your article was sweet. Somebody needed to say it."
There are a couple of things I can say in light of recent events.
To those of you who don't like me, all writings in this column are entirely opinion. They aren't the views of the university, other members of the Chronicle or anybody else on the campus for that matter. This isn't the news section, so don't expect nonbiased writing.
As for my news writing, especially about homecoming, I challenge anyone to find factual errors.
As news editor, it is my duty to write for the student audience. I will continue to write about issues that are important and pertain to students.
In the past months, nobody has questioned the actions or policies of the university or the SCPD. The argument has been fairly one-sided.
Voices of those who have spoken up are silenced. Even Cory Lawrence, president of student government, said his voice has gone unheard.
I almost puked when I saw the photo illustration of Jerry Middelstadt and his wife in the St. Cloud Times. The article and sources made students sound ignorant, stupid and irresponsible. It almost seems like the community was banking on riots last weekend.
Trust me, it wasn't going to happen. Students were too scared to go out. Many of my friends went home, went to another campus or stayed inside. If a riot were to happen, it would have been a direct result of recent university and police actions.
I walked the neighborhood Thursday and Saturday night. It was the quietest I have ever seen. The police definitely outnumbered students. They actually rented out city buses to detain students. Oh yeah, there is also a photo of the undercover van that the overt SCPD asked the St. Cloud Times not to print in their issue. Just check it out on page five.
Why then, is it inappropriate for me to question enforcement of the student code of conduct? Why can't I say that the SCPD terrorize the Southside? Why can't I represent the student voices that are going unheard?
I am glad that I have angered people and I am ecstatic that I have the power to confront controversial issues.
In the future, you can expect more articles with a student angle and honest reporting that you won't see anywhere else. My advice to students is to speak up. Write letters to the Chronicle. Form you own councils. Protest the student code of conduct and police enforcement in the Southside. Whatever it is, do something.
Forum:
displaying
1
-
1
of
1
top level comments
Were I still an undergraduate I sure wou... (10/20/03)
Post a comment
Privacy Policy
Network Advertising
Article Syndication
