US student newspapers reform after Black Lives Matter protests spark change
Student newspapers across the US have taken steps to address racial injustice in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests. Many publications are now reviewing their past coverage and introducing new measures to support marginalised communities.
At the University of Missouri, *The Maneater* announced a series of reforms after its only Black editor called for deeper reflection on systemic bias.
The push for change began when Kirubel Mesfian, the sole Black editor at The Maneater, urged the paper to confront its role in perpetuating racial inequality. His call followed nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice. In response, the publication's editors held discussions on how to better represent marginalised voices.
*The Maneater* later published an editorial detailing new initiatives. These included mandatory social justice training for staff and the creation of a diversity committee. The paper also committed to adding links to Black Lives Matter fundraisers at the end of every article throughout the summer. Other student newspapers took similar action. *The Stanford Daily* shared resources to help readers learn about and support the Black Lives Matter movement. *The Wesleyan Argus* provided a list of petitions and encouraged donations to bail funds. Meanwhile, *The Emory Wheel* pledged to match up to $500 in donations to the National Association of Black Journalists. At the University of Texas, *The Daily Texan* established a Diversity & Inclusion board. This new group will review sensitive stories involving marginalised communities before publication. Several other college papers also issued public apologies for past coverage that misrepresented communities of colour. Fifteen editors from different publications signed a joint statement, calling on professional journalists to examine their own biases. No US universities, however, have issued formal apologies in recent months for historical misrepresentations in their student media.
The reforms mark a shift in how student newspapers engage with racial justice. Many have introduced training, funding, and editorial oversight to improve representation. These changes follow broader demands for accountability in media coverage of marginalised groups.
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